experts are known as the 'Teddy Bear Ladies' by fans, and they have been part of the heartwarming series since 2017. But their love for bears started long before their gig on The Repair Shop.

In addition to starring in the emotional television show, in which they discuss their passion for restoration. They also teamed up to write their own children's book last year, which has been a big success.

It all started when Julie, from Southampton, was eager to set up a restoration business that kept those methods alive and set up Bear it in Mind with Amanda Middleditch in the New Forest in 2006. They have been going strong ever since.

Julie and Amanda have been friends and colleagues for over 15 years and are passionate about their work. Their account shares the restorations and various projects the women undertake to give their fans a glimpse into their repair work.

Opening up about how her penchant for bears started, Amanda told the BBC: "I have had a lifelong love of teddy bears. It began as a childhood interest, and I was absolutely spoiled.

"I had so many teddies and I adored every single one of them. I think it carried on into my adult life as I started to collect more specific things.

"I became more choosy about what I bought and then decided I would like to make them, and it developed from there."

As their business took off, they landed the attention of BBC bosses, who invited the pair to join the cast of The Repair Shop.

Julie explained in recent years: "We were approached by Ricochet, ahead of the pilot series, to ask if we would be interested in being part of a new TV show. We loved the ethos behind the format of the show."

Amanda and Julie love to share snaps of their latest creations, but they like to keep their private lives private. At the moment, it is not believed Julie or her pal Amanda are married or currently in a relationship.

The Repair Shop episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.