BBC The Repair Shop fans left concerned as popular star 'missing' from show announcement: 'Where is he?!'
The Repair Shop is returning with new episodes soon
BBC
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Fans of the BBC's The Repair Shop have begged for answers regarding the future of one of its longest-serving restorers.
Earlier this week, the BBC show confirmed it would be returning for new episodes on August 14 as it used its social media channels to break the news. In an Instagram post, Jay Blades can be seen all smiles alongside the likes of Suzie Fletcher, Will Kirk, Dominic Chinea, Brenton West and Kirsten Ramsay.
The accompanying caption read: "More fixes. More stories. More memories restored. Brand new #TheRepairShop starts on 14th August on BBC One & iPlayer."
Inevitably, fans quickly rushed to the comments of the post to pen their excitement - but others were left concerned that horologist Steve Fletcher was nowhere to be seen.
The 61-year-old has been a part of the BBC show since 2017, often lending his expertise to restore treasured timepieces.
So spotting his absence in the new series announcement - given his popularity - fans were quick to ask questions.
"Currently getting the episodes on YouTube but, I'll watch in whatever manner I can. I love this program. Where's Steve?" one fan asked.
"Love this show! Missing Steve in the photo," a second pointed out before a third queried: "Yeah, where's Steve!!"
"Where's @stevefletcher.clocks?" another weighed followed by a crying emoji, before a fifth bluntly asked: "Where the hell is Steve at?"
The Repair Shop's Steve Fletcher is one of the show's most popular stars
BBC
And a sixth couldn't mask their concern as they penned: "Steve’s not missing, is he?!"
There's been no official word that Fletcher is departing the series, and the horologist appeared to allay fears soon after the news of the new series.
Taking to his own Instagram, Fletcher recorded a short clip from outside the barn where he was joined by a very special guest.
He explained in the caption of the video: "Look who’s back at @therepairshoptv! My son and apprentice, @fredfletcher.clocks has his own item to repair this time, and he’s doing a brilliant job with it.
"Very proud," Fletcher added before signing off with the hashtags: "#therepairshop #familybusiness #stevefletcher #fredfletcher #horology #horologists."
So not only does it look like Fletcher will indeed be back, but this time he'll be joined by his son - something that's a bit of a trend within the Fletcher clan.
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Speaking earlier this year to the BBC about his background, Fletcher said: "I’m a third-generation clockmaker, I was brought up with clocks and watches all around.
"I didn’t initially want to, but I ended up thinking I want to be a clockmaker, so I went to college to do it in Hackney for a couple of years, and it’s been my whole life since."
On how he landed his role in The Repair Shop, Fletcher added: "The team were looking for a clockmaker and found a YouTube film that I made and then contacted me, within a few days I was down at the barn."
The 61-year-old is often joined by his sister Suzie in the barn and the siblings have become two of the show's most popular restorers.