BBC The Repair Shop expert on fear item was unfixable as they admit 'I was worried'

The enchanting BBC series, The Repair Shop, has been captivating audiences since its debut in 2017, showcasing a delightful array of treasured possessions being restored to their former glory.

From threadbare shoes to disintegrating teddy bears, crumbling canvases, and tarnished trinkets, the resident experts apply their impressive skills to a new challenge in each episode.

But, as revealed by a beloved team member, the restorations are not always as effortless as they might appear on screen. Horologist Steve Fletcher took to back in 2020 to share his most memorable restoration: an intricate antique steam boat.

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With a blend of nostalgia and technical prowess, Steve recounted his childhood memories of dismantling steamboats but noted this project was particularly daunting.

He said: "It was beautiful, it was so well made I didn't think I was going to get it going. I was a bit worried about it."

Steve explained that the uniqueness of this steamboat came with uncertainties, adding: "I didn't know if it was going to blow up or anything like that. It was a lovely, lovely thing to work on, I had to be really careful as I was doing it up, because I didn't want to affect the pattern at all."

The satisfaction of getting the steamboat operational was akin to a childlike wonder for Steve. He added: "Then, when I got it going eventually, we launched it on the water; it was just something else; we were like kids!"

Moving forward, the skilled expert also recalled tackling a challenging artefact on the show more recently, reports .

During a spot on Morning Live last month, host Kimberley Walsh revisited Steve's encounter with a decrepit old cash register, highlighting yet another challenge task faced by the expert.

He admitted: "I did! This was an absolute joy to do. It was a lovely thing, really rusty. I had real problems, I almost had to break into it!

"I tried every key that I've got, and none of them fitted. Then getting it to work and finding this treasure inside."

Despite initial challenges, Steve shared the satisfying moment when the till's owner saw the finished restoration, describing it as a 'real joy'. Steve has become a familiar face on The Repair Shop since it began in 2017, and it seems craftsmanship is in his blood.

He's previously spoken about his heritage, revealing that both his grandfather and father were horologists. It's no surprise that he pursued the same path.

Continuing the family tradition, Steve's son, Fred, has stepped into his shoes and appeared on the program too. Steve's sister Suzie is also an expert on the show and is well-known as the barn's leather pro.

The Repair Shop is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.