BBC’s has announced a new temporary presenter for the 2024 , following the departure of Jay Blades. Roman Kemp has temporarily replaced the former host, as part of the collaboration between The Repair Shop and
Despite the changes, fans are just glad to see the show return at all. Following the announcement, many flocked to social media to say the same thing as show bosses announced: “Christmas is coming, and team are back to create more magic and joy this festive season!”
One user was delighted with the news, replying: “Love this programme and I’m glad the Christmas episode is back. It is always so magical. Please do Secret Santa.” Another added: “This brings me so much joy to hear. I thought the series was done. Sending love back to the entire crew the all of the Barn’s Skilled Master Craftsman.”
In sneak pic images that were recently released, Roman could be seen in the workshop at the Weald & Downland Living Museum in Singleton. The presenter can be seen beaming at the camera while wearing a festive red scarf standing in front of the show’s logo.
Speaking about appearing on the one-off special, Roman said: “It’s really special – it’s like going inside one of your favourite TV shows so it’s always a very cool moment.”
Jay Blades was axed from The Repair Shop (Image: BBC)
The Christmas episode will see a viewer of ‘s The One Show, named Kat, visit the repair shop to get a teddy bear fixed up. Explaining why they decided to help the viewer, Roman said that Kat’s teddy bear was attacked by a dog, which is something that happened to his mother’s Christmas angel last year.
He shared: “My mum’s favourite Christmas angel that she had had since the day that she was born, got absolutely torn apart by our family dog and I wanted to get it repaired, seeing shows like The Repair Shop and seeing how emotional people can get over those nostalgic things.
“So I got it repaired for my mum and it made our Christmas, it was the nicest moment. On The One Show, we wanted to give that same feeling that I had with my family last year to a deserving viewer.”
The team will also repair two puffin sculptures from a bookshop with a moving story, and a 100-year-old projector that’s special to one family’s Christmas Eve tradition.
The presenter shake up comes as Jay Blades announced in May that he would be taking a break from the much-loved show.
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Roman Kemp will be hosting the Christmas special (Image: Getty)
At the time, he said he needed to “take stock” following the alleged murder of his uncle and as headlines surfaced over his split from Ms Zbozen, who he married in Barbados in 2022.
However, the 54-year-old was later axed completely from the show after he was charged in September with controlling and coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife. at Worcester Crown Court.
Blades pleaded not guilty at Worcester Crown Court, and has denied all allegations.