BBC show The Repair Shop has some talented experts at its disposal including one key partnership - the Teddy Bear Ladies.

Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell have been a staple on the BBC One show, helping those who bring their beloved toys to the barn.

Julie is a restorer of soft toys and vintage bears and is very passionate about keeping traditional toy-making methods alive. She teamed up with Amanda Middleditch to establish Bear it in Mind, a restoration business in the New Forest, back in 2006.

In addition to their regular TV and radio appearances, they host a podcast called 'Bearly Begun' and maintain an active presence on Twitter and Instagram. They have even teamed up to write their own children's book which has been a big success.

But are the pair related and close are they?

The pair are not related but in fact just close friends. The pair have been friends and colleagues for over 15 years and are passionate about their work.

Their Instagram account showcases the various restorations Julie and Amanda undertake. But the business is so popular that they are unable to take on more restorations and referring people to their protege Charlotte Stubbs, who owns Teddy Bear Repair and Care.

It's their teddy bear restoration business that caught the eye of the BBC and Julie and Amanda were invited to join the crew of The Repair Shop. "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," Julie revealed to the BBC.

"We loved the ethos behind the format of the show."

The talented duo, who breathe new life into cherished teddies and toys at The Barn, have also penned a delightful children's book titled 'Bartie Bristle'. Launched on June 6, the story is set in a quaint teddy bear shop and follows the escapades of Bartie and his furry companions.

The Teddy Bear Ladies announced on their social platforms: "Set in a village in the heart of the Old Woods, the magical world of the teddy bear shop and the heart-warming stories of Bartie and his teddy bear friends will captivate children and parents alike.

"Julie and Amanda began writing short stories all about Bartie Bristle and the other favourite toys for the children that came to their shop, with Julie reimagined as Mrs T and Amanda as Rose."