Dame Helen Mirren is set to appear in The Repair Shop 's Christmas special.

The acclaimed actress will join fellow celebrities Julia Donaldson and Rob Brydon in the hour-long festive episode of the popular BBC programme, each hoping to have cherished items restored.

Helen brings along a Second World War-era cello belonging to Denville Hall, a residential care facility for people from the entertainment industry. The instrument was bequeathed to Denville Hall by theatre director Martin Landau.

A German native, Martin escaped the country via the Kindertransport, but the Nazis damaged his cello before he could board the train.

The instrument hasn't been played for more than 80 years, and the care home is hoping it can be repaired so it can accompany their piano for Christmas carol pe

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