BBC The Repair Shop guest breaks down over 'unbelievable' fix

Wednesday night episode was a rollercoaster of emotions for viewers. During the programme, introduced people to Annette, a woman seeking help to restore her cherished doll to its original state.

Annette shared her story with expert toy restorers Amanda and Julie, revealing that she received the doll when she was 11-years-old, during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

She recounted her childhood experiences, saying: "When the Troubles in Northern Ireland started, we had bomb scares.

"We had a lot of shooting, ordinary people were killed just because of religion. Our childhood, wasn't really happy, you were frightened."

Intrigued, Amanda asked how the doll fit into this narrative. Annette explained that she was taken away from the Troubles as a child to a more peaceful place, reports

She added: "We were taken to Holland. We were all given host families and my host family took in one protestant child and one catholic child, so that we could get to know a child from another background."

Annette spoke highly of her time in Holland, revealing that she formed a strong bond with the other Irish girl living with her host family, a friendship that lasted long after they returned to Derry.

She concluded: "At the end of our stay with our host family, they presented us with little dolls and I just fell in love with her, she means so much. I swore that I would look after her, but unfortunately- it's so sad."

Amanda informed the guest that the damage appeared to be due to natural aging and inquired about her desired repairs.

Annette, noting the doll's missing eyes, explained they had fallen inside the head and expressed her wish to see them again, as well as the possibility of adding tiny clog shoes.

Expert Will Kirk assisted in the restoration, crafting wooden clogs for the doll, leading to an emotional reunion for Annette.

Overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing the restored doll, Annette exclaimed through tears: "She's beautiful!"

Annette was visibly moved as she inspected the doll closely. She said: "I'm shaking! That's unbelievable. I don't know what to say, I am really, really shocked. Her hair and everything, you washed it!"

Reflecting on her childhood memories, she added: "This wee doll, I'm just back there the way I can remember how I got her, she's beautiful, honestly."

The surprises didn't stop there; Annette was thrilled to discover the expertly crafted wooden clogs, exclaiming: "Now she's a dutch doll isn't she, that is beautiful, thank you ever so much."

The Repair Shop is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.