The BBC experts welcomed one man into the barn who had a touching story regarding the item he had with him to fix.17:31, 24 Aug 2026Updated 17:32, 24 Aug 2026The Repair Shop viewers saw one guest highly emotional over the sentimental item.‌During the BBC show, which aired a repeat on Monday, fans saw Teddy Bear Ladies - Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell - welcome guest Ian into the barn with a doll that looked rather worse for wear.‌Giving more context on the toy, The Repair Shop guest explained it was given to his sister Denise when she was eight months old and was roughly around 100 years old.‌He shared: “My sister had learning difficulties, she was loving, caring, and an amazing sister. She was generous and kind. I can remember my sister calling it ‘The Doll’, so I think she just called it The Doll and talked to her as well, it’s always been like an imaginary friend really.”Highlighting how important it was to his sister, Ian revealed that, sadly, Denise died in a road traffic accident when she was 24.‌He commented: “Sadly, two days prior, we had a bit of an argument. Never argued and never made up, two days later, she was tragically killed.”The two experts apologised for his loss, highlighting how tough that must’ve been, as Ian agreed before sharing that the doll remained in the bedroom for a few years afterwards before it was moved to the loft.‌When asked how he felt to discover it again, Ian replied: “I just cried, I sat up there for a while. I thought, ‘Who is going to be able to repair this?’ I don’t want her to look brand-new. I think for me, that would take away what the doll is.”After explaining he’d want the legs to be repaired, so that it could walk again, he also shared his hopes of the doll having new hair, fingers and an outfit to mimic what he remembered.As Amanda and Julie set out to work, admitting they felt ‘honoured’ that he trusted them to fix the doll that meant so much to his sister, it was time for Ian to return to the barn.‌His partner Nicola attended the unveiling with him as Ian was instantly choked up, admitting it was ‘absolutely amazing’ what they had been able to do.Sharing that Denise would be ‘overwhelmed’ to see it in such condition, he shared: “It was her life, she loved it. She’s watching down, I’m sure. Thank you so much.”Article continues belowWhen he spoke to the cameras outside of the barn, he confessed: “The doll symbolises closure for me. My sister and I had a really horrific argument before she passed, and I never had the chance to apologise.“So, that’s been eating away at me. But now the doll is repaired, I just feel like that chapter is now closed and I can move on.”The Repair Shop is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.