The Repair Shop host Jay Blades was left speechless and looking very moved in a classic episode of the BBC show.
While the series itself is known for being a tear-jerker, it isn’t often furniture restorer and presenter Blades, 54, is lost for words, but he was overcome with emotional after seeing the heartfelt response from some guests.
It came as sisters Fredericka and Louisa Charles turned up at the iconic Repair Shop barn in an episode which was shown again on Tuesday along with their cherished record player.
“It belonged to our mother and father,” one of them explained, adding: “Mum and dad were part of the Windrush generation.
“So after the war, people from the Caribbean were called on to help to rebuild the country. In Dominica, England was seen as the motherland.
“And it was a massive opportunity for the people that decided to come here and start life again.”
The sisters cried when they heard the sound they’d been missing once again
BBC
Turning her attention to the record player, she went on to explain how the it would have been one of her parents’ “first major purchases” in the UK.
“It’s kind of like a statement, ‘we’ve arrived and we’ve got this,'” the guest added. The sisters went on to share precious memories associated with the record player and how it brought the family together on special occasions.
Taking about their dad, one reflected: “He liked Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole – it’s a bit of a treasure, you know.”
The sisters explained how, after their mother died, the record player was used less. Then when their father died in 2013, the family would play some of his old tunes on it.
Blades was speechless as he watched on
BBC
Sadly, the record player had stopped working “about three years ago,” and the sisters shared how much they longed to hear it playing records again.
The Repair Shop’s resident radio and electronics expert Mark Stuckey was tasked with the fix, and despite saying it would be a tough job, he was excited to get stuck in.
Later, the sisters were back to collect the revamped record player. Hoping the item can now bring back “joy and happy memories,” the group gathered with Blades to see the finished product.
“Go on Mark, do the honours,” Blades requested, and the sisters instantly teared up when they saw the record player back to its former, impressive state.
The record player left the guests and Repair Shop team emotional
BBC
As they thanked Stuckey, the two described the record’s new look as “amazing” and quickly tested it out with a record.
“My mum used to have that as well,” Blades commented when he saw the choice of music.
As it began to play, the sisters were overcome with emotion and Blades silently watched on, unable to speak as they hugged.
“I should be really happy – I am very happy, thank you,” one of them remarked.
After an emotional pause, Blades stated: “Can’t thank you enough for bringing it in – and taking me back to memory lane.”
