Which celebrities are on The Repair Shop Christmas special?

Dame Helen Mirren, Julia Donaldson, and Rob Brydon are featured in the Christmas special.

What items are being repaired for Helen Mirren on The Repair Shop?

Helen Mirren is bringing a World War II cello from Denville Hall for repair.

What will Julia Donaldson get repaired on The Repair Shop?

Julia Donaldson is having a beloved toy farmhouse from her childhood repaired.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Stars mend cherished items on festive TV

Stars mend cherished items on festive TV

21 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Helen Mirren seeks repair for WWII cello from a care home.
Julia Donaldson brings a cherished childhood toy farmhouse.
Festive special features mechanical Rudolph and a battered sledge.

Stars mend cherished items on festive TV

This Christmas, Dame Helen Mirren and Julia Donaldson will appear on BBC One's The Repair Shop for a festive special. Mirren is entrusting experts with a World War II cello, a treasured item belonging to Denville Hall, a care home for entertainment veterans. The cello, originally belonging to Martin Landau, has not been played in over 80 years.

Joining Mirren are author Julia Donaldson and actor Rob Brydon, aiming to restore a cherished toy farmhouse from Donaldson's childhood. This nostalgic toy, a source of inspiration and many memories, will be gifted to Chestnut Tree House, a children's hospice. The episode promises heartwarming restorations for these significant items.

Further festive repairs include a life-size mechanical Rudolph for Leicestershire Fire Service, a 80-year-old sledge from Northern Ireland, and a dilapidated carol book from Sheffield. The Repair Shop team aims to bring holiday cheer by restoring these beloved items for their owners.