BBC Repair Shop star Geoff Harvey got TV break while driving a hearse

The Repair Shop’s Geoff Harvey Recounts Unconventional Path to Television Career

Geoff Harvey, the pinball and arcade machine expert from the popular BBC show The Repair Shop, has revealed the surprising start to his television career. In an exclusive interview, Harvey, a familiar face on the beloved programme and other shows, shared that his initial “discovery” occurred while he was driving a hearse.

Hearse and Happenstance: An Unusual Introduction to TV

Reflecting on the memorable incident, he explained, “We had a company called the Pinball Machine Company. I used to deliver pinball machines in a 1950s hearse, which was incredibly enjoyable. I was very fond of that vehicle… it was perfectly designed to slide a pinball machine straight into the space where a coffin would typically go.”

Harvey continued, “Quite a few people misinterpreted my deliveries, imagining some kind of unconventional funeral procession with the brightly coloured arcade cabinets in the back. One evening, around two in the morning, I was driving through Golders Green when I noticed a car following me persistently. No matter where I turned, they were right behind me,” he recounted.

Channel 4 Encounter: From Hearse to Documentary

“Eventually, I pulled over to let them pass and got out of my hearse. They approached and asked, ‘Why are you conducting a funeral at three in the morning? Is this some kind of hippie funeral?'”

“I replied, ‘No, it’s a pinball machine,’ and clarified what I was doing. To my surprise, they revealed, ‘We’re from Channel 4. We’re filming a documentary about eccentric individuals. Would you be willing to give us your contact number?'”

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“So, it turned out to be beneficial, driving around with a pinball machine in the back of a hearse. It invariably served as a great conversation starter,” he chuckled.

Beyond the Screen: Business and Volunteering

Outside of his television commitments, Geoff Harvey maintains a busy schedule. In addition to managing his own business that supplies and repairs pinball machines, the former social worker also dedicates his time to The Listening Place. This organisation offers face-to-face support for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, providing an alternative to phone-based services.

Pinball Alley at the Classic Car Boot Sale

Further expanding his ventures, Harvey is curating “Pinball Alley” at the upcoming Classic Car Boot Sale in Kings Cross, London, scheduled for April 26th and 27th. He already organises a similar attraction for the Glastonbury Festival and has been eager to introduce the concept to this event for some time.

The two-day event is a celebration of vintage culture, showcasing music, food, fashion, design, and classic cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles.

Despite his extensive experience in related events, this marks his first participation in the Classic Car Boot Sale. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is actually my first time at the car boot sale, but I’ve been aware of it for many years. I’ve seen photographs and heard people say, ‘Geoff, you absolutely must go to the car boot sale. It’s truly amazing.'”

Event Details:

• Event: The Classic Car Boot Sale
• Location: Kings Cross, London
• Dates: April 26th & 27th