Suzie revealed the saddening discovery she made whilst looking through her husband's belongings (Image: BBC/Ricochet Ltd/Steve Peskett)

Repair Shop's Suzie Fletcher shares heartbreaking discovery after husband's death

by · Birmingham Live

The Repair Shop's Suzie Fletcher has opened up about a heartbreaking discovery she made after her husband's tragic death.

Writing in her recently released memoir, 'The Sun Over The Mountians', Suzie said it was when she was looking through the belongings of her late husband James Allen Baker - who she refers to as Rob - that she made the discovery.

The Repair Shop expert wrote: "Just recently, I was sorting through a few bits and bobs that I brought home in the suitcases. There was a piece of yellow paper with Rob's writing on it: 'Thank you for being my wife. I love you more than anything.'"

That wasn't the only sad find the BBC star made whilst sifting through her husband's belongings, as she continued: "Then I found the last proper anniversary card he gave me before he became ill: 'Thank you for putting up with me this long. I hope you're happy at this stage of our lives. I know I am and it's because of you and us. I love you.'"

Suzie is best known for restoring saddles and leather work on the BBC show (Image: BBC)

After marrying him in her early 30s, the couple soon moved to Colorado, USA, but their joy at tying the knot was short lived after James became violent.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday earlier this year, the TV host revealed that she had been a victim of domestic abuse at the hands of her husband, as she recalled one specific incident in which she believed that she was 'going to die' as he picked her up off the ground by her neck.

She said: "I honestly thought I was going to die. He was choking me and could easily have killed me. I don't know why but eventually he let go."

His death rocked the family back in 2013 when he died after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Suzie expressed her gratitude towards her fellow Repair Shop colleagues: "I don't think any of that would have been possible without such a caring group of people around me."

She added: "Steve, Jay, the team of experts, the camera crew, the producers, the directors, and the people behind the scenes have always been kind and believed in me."

The national domestic abuse helpline offers support for women on 0808 2000 247, or you can visit the Refuge website. There is a dedicated men's advice line on 0808 8010 327.