Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch have become two fan favourites at The Repair Shop thanks to the care and attention they give to breathing new life into beloved teddy bears. Dubbed the ‘Teddy Bear Ladies’, the pair have been part of the BBC One series since 2017 and continue to help those who visit the stables.
Julie is a soft toy and vintage bear restorer based in Southampton who is passionate about preserving toy making traditions. Julie was keen to set up a restoration business that would keep these methods alive and in 2006 she founded Bear it in Mind with Amanda Middleditch in the New Forest.
As well as their regular appearances on TV and radio, they also have their own podcast called ‘Bearly Begun’ and an active social media following on Twitter and Instagram. But is Julie Tatchell married and what do we know about her life outside of The Repair Shop barn?
Julie was reportedly born in 1976, which means she is now around 48 years old. The teddy bear expert is a private person and does not reveal any details about her personal life publicly.
She is not currently married or in a relationship, however, Julie is happy to share information about her business, Bear It In Mind, of which she is co-owner.
Their Instagram account showcases the restorations and other work that Julie and Amanda do. She has been friends with co-star and colleague Amanda for over 15 years and the two love their work.
After their growing business became a success, the unique pair of experts asked to join the team The repair shop. “Ricochet asked us before the pilot if we would be interested in being part of a new TV show,” Julie told the BBC. “We loved the ethos behind the format of the show.”
The couple, who restore teddy bears and toys in the barn, have also written a children’s book together called Bartie Bristle. The book was released on June 6 and is about a teddy bear shop and the adventures of Bartie and his friends.
The duo, known as “the Teddy Bear Ladies,” shared on social media: “Set in a village in the heart of the Old Woods, the magical world of the Teddy Bear Shop and the heartwarming stories of Bartie and his teddy bear friends will captivate children and parents alike.”
Describing the inspiration behind the story, the post continues: “Julie and Amanda began writing short stories about Bartie Bristle and the other children’s favorite toys that came into their store. In the process, Julie was reinvented as Mrs. T and Amanda as Rose.”
