BBC The Repair Shop’s ‘Teddy Bear Ladies’ reveal emotional filming detail
The Repair Shop’s ‘Teddy Bear Ladies’ have opened up about the emotional filming process
BBC’s The Repair Shop often becomes deeply moving behind-the-scenes
The show’s cherished ‘Teddy Bear Ladies’, Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch, have opened up about the emotional reality of filming the popular BBC programme.
In a heartfelt conversation on Alan Titchmarsh’s ITV show, Amanda admitted she often cries away from the cameras, suggesting viewers might not want to see the experts getting upset, reports the Mirror.
She also shared her personal technique of hugging guests after revealing their restored items as a way to keep her emotions in check. Alan, who has been visibly moved on screen himself on many occasions, asked: “I get told off often enough on this programme for losing it when I see a sentimental clip. What’s it like?”.
Amanda then revealed their behind-the-scenes approach: “There is always a stash hidden, so we can grab a tissue if we need one.”
“It is so emotional,” she added, explaining that producers intentionally limit how much emotional footage makes it to air to keep the programme engaging, despite the often deeply touching moments that unfold in the barn.
After Alan showed a particularly poignant clip, he was curious about how they keep themselves composed. Amanda explained her method: “That’s why I tend to shuffle around to give her a bit of a hug because it gives me something to focus on.”
Julie added: “You could see I was about to lose it, I think it was quite clear.”
“It is hard,” Amanda acknowledged, “But we are quite fortunate. We kind of play off each other, so usually, different things trigger us.
“So one will sense that the other one is starting to go, and will kind of take over the conversation.”
Julie and Amanda have become recognisable presences on ‘The Repair Shop’ since the programme launched in 2017. With the two working so closely together, many viewers have wondered if they’re actually family.
While they’re constantly spotted together, the pair aren’t relatives but rather dear friends bonded by a shared love of toy restoration.
The partnership began in 2006, brought together by their common desire to encourage people to explore needlework.
Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell’s relationship away from The Repair Shop
They subsequently merged this interest with the restoration of teddy bears and plush toys, running sessions with children and parents at imaginative birthday parties.
