The Repair Shop experts were left “terrified” as they attempted to restore an iconic item
A special World Cup item arrived at The Repair Shop barn on Wednesday.
During the most recent episode (June 24) of the beloved BBC show, experts Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch were introduced to Steph Taylor and her daughter Alison. The lifelong football fans sought help in restoring a soft toy of the 1966 England World Cup mascot, World Cup Willie, which was in a “rather sorry state”.
Steph revealed that she purchased the toy at the first match she attended that year. Having secured tickets to every fixture at Wembley Stadium, including the final, Steph carried Willie along in her pocket.
The guest described how she also attended the matches with her future husband, Chris, with their relationship flourishing throughout the tournament. The pair married that same year, before welcoming their daughter eight months afterwards.
Tragically, disaster struck when Chris passed away from an asthma attack just nine months after Alison was born, reports the Mirror.
“That makes Willie much more significant,” Julie observed, before Alison stated: “Because they weren’t together very long, he’s the only thing that I have that connects mum and dad. So, it’s quite special to me as well.”
Julie and Amanda swiftly began work attempting to restore the “very important” toy to its original condition. Nevertheless, Amanda was visibly anxious.
“He looks extremely fragile, doesn’t he? I’m quite concerned about his face,” she remarked, before adding: “This little guy’s face is absolutely terrifying. The damp has left him with these two ugly holes. I’ve got to make him look good again.”
The expert attempted to thread a fresh piece of material beneath the toy’s deteriorating face, proceeding with great care. She explained: “I’m holding my breath here because the worst thing that could happen is his face disintegrates on me, and then I would have to replace the whole face.
“Oh, it’s a scary one! I think this is actually scarier than taking a penalty in the World Cup final. [I’m] absolutely terrified. But we can do this.”
Julie and Amanda triumphantly restored World Cup Willie, leaving both Steph and Alison lost for words upon being reunited with their treasured possession.
“Oh my goodness, that’s amazing!” exclaimed Alison, while her mother observed: “I don’t know if he’s ever looked that good!”
A visibly moved Steph added: “[I’m] quite filled up about it all, really. Yeah.”
Alison went on to say: “He’s quite special because he’s a link to my mum and my dad. He’s the only thing that really connects them,” before Steph concluded: “He’s a very important lion.”
The Repair Shop is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
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