Sabrina Grant will open up about losing her elder sister to suicide as she brings a treasured item onto her TV show to be repurposed.
The presenter is to transform denims that belonged to Raquel, who died a decade ago at the age of 32.
In poignant scenes on her series Saved and Remade next week, Sabrina will have the jeans made into a jacket for herself and a kimono for their mother, Sandra.
The 34-year-old said: “When I was in the workshop with my mum I was so overwhelmed because I was like, ‘Hang on, this isn’t a TV show any more, this is my life.’”
Sabrina told how Raquel’s death left her with “layers” of grief because she had no idea her big sister had been struggling.
She added: “My sister was going through the biggest turmoil but put on a big smile for me. You only know of someone what they show to you.”
And the fashion and consumer expert said she intends to keep the ruffled denim jacket, made by seamstress Chinelo Bally, forever. She added: “I love it so much. It’s so beautiful and timeless and it still smells of my sister a little bit.
“She would have loved it. She was my number one cheerleader.”
Sabrina also told how the inspiration for Saved and Remade came out of her tragic loss.
She said: “My family was suddenly left with all these things that we cherished but what becomes of them? They hold so many memories and that’s all we have left of this person.
“It made me wonder what people have that they can’t let go of but that they can’t use and how could we repurpose these things.”
On Saved and Remade, like The Repair Shop, experts transform treasured items brought in by contributors. But the difference is they are turned into completely different things.
Sabrina said: “We have the same heart as the Repair Shop. I know there’s a space for a show like this.”
- Saved and Remade is on BBC1 throughout April at 6.30pm from Monday to Friday.
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
