Repair Shop's Dominic sets record straight on rumour about show's iconic barn
Dominic Chinea has shared the surprising story behind his The Repair Shop stardom, setting the record straight on his unlikely rise to stardom back six years ago.
The TV personality shot to fame after signing up to the BBC One restoration show in 2017 as its resident metalwork expert, joining Jay Blades and Will Kirk on their mission to restore the antiques that have sentimental value to their owners.
The Repair Shop has always been known for its huge orange sign outside its barn, which is made of metal and lights up for maximum impact. In a recent Q&A on Instagram, Dominic confirmed that he had made the chunky logo himself before the show had even premiered.
After being asked if he was the one who created the sign, he said: "Where did you hear that? Who told you that? Erm, yeah it is true, I did."
"It was before the show even started, it was just a job whilst I was a set designer." Not only did he make the sign, but he also was the brains behind its flamboyant design. "I designed and built the sign that sits outside the barn," Dom told Hello! in 2021. This assignment would ultimately play a major role in the talented metalworker landing a permanent position on the show.
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The Repair Shop's Dominic Chinea responds to rumour about its famous sign
Dominic landed the job on The Repair Shop after making its sign"The production team contacted me initially to make The Repair Shop sign as I was working as a set designer at the time," he added. "Halfway through series one they called me to help Steve [Fletcher] with an item. He was trying to mend a clock from a town hall, and he could fix the clock but getting it out of the housing it was in was more my skills. Once I was there doing that there were other bits of welding and metalwork that needed doing and I've basically never left."
Dominic made the iconic Repair Shop sign (BBC/Ricochet Ltd/Steve Peskett)In another interview, Dom also revealed that he had been commissioned to design the set's interior pieces. After impressing The Repair Shop's bosses with his knack for DIY, he quickly earned himself a regular spot on the iconic show.
"Hopefully, being pleased with my work and having realised that I had an interest in antiques and a variety of skills that would prove useful for the team, they asked me to assist in front of the camera as well, repairing items," he told the BBC in 2020.
The Repair Shop is filmed at the Weald and Downland Living Museum in West Sussex, with most of its scenes being shot at The Court Barn. The premise of the show, which sees precious family heirlooms restored by a team of expert craftspeople, has been mostly well received by viewers. Repairs are also occasionally carried out in the Victorian smithy and the wagon shed.
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