The Repair Shop's Jay Blades emotional as guest reminisces over restored family heirloom
The Repair Shop's host Jay Blades struggled to keep his emotions in check during a heartwarming segment of the show that aired on Tuesday 2 July. In the 2022 episode, London-based sisters Fredericka and Louisa Charles approached Mark Stuckey and Sonnaz Nooranvary with hopes of restoring their treasured family heirloom.
They brought in a 1960s radiogram that belonged to their Windrush generation parents who migrated from Dominica when Caribbean individuals were called upon to help rebuild post-war UK.
This radiogram was one of the first significant purchases made by the couple after settling into their new lives in England. According to Fredericka, the radiogram was typically used on Sundays, which she remembered as "the big social day" when extended family would gather for music sessions.
After their father passed away in 2013, the remaining family members would often "play a couple of his tunes on it." Unfortunately, in 2019, the instrument suddenly stopped working, leaving the siblings devastated, reports Chronicle Live.
Later in the show, Fredericka and Louisa returned to the repair shop with a record in hand. Fredericka held a Nat King Cole album featuring Mona Lisa, a track their parents often played.
Keeping the crew and audience members in suspense about the restored radiogram, Jay remarked, "They're anticipating it's working," while Mark added, "Well, that's what I was wondering."
Fredericka was touched as she shared: "Um, joy, really. Joy and really happy memories."
Louisa was visibly moved at the sight of the restored radiogram revealed by Mark.
The music from the newly revived radiogram brought Louisa to tears, leading her to cover her face with her hands while Fredericka also held back tears and even Jay and Mark were clearly moved by the touching moment.
As the sisters expressed their heartfelt thanks, Jay watched on with eyes brimming with emotion, and Fredericka fondly recalled: "That transported me right back and all I could see was my mum and dad."
The sentimental restorer, 54, conveyed his thanks, saying: "I can't thank you enough for bringing it in... and taking me back down memory lane."
Echoing those feelings, Mark added: "It's been a real pleasure, it really has. Now, time to enjoy."
It has recently been announced that the hugely popular show will be getting a spin off, where The Repair Shop's team of restorers and repairers will travel around the country, repairing people's treasures. The series is due to film later this year.
