“I used to deliver pinball machines in a 1950s hearse,”
Geoff Harvey, the pinball and arcade machine expert from The Repair Shop, has an unusual story to tell about how he became a television star. In an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, Geoff revealed that his journey into the world of TV was not a straightforward one. While he has appeared on numerous shows, including the popular BBC programme, his path to stardom was anything but conventional. In fact, it all started when he was driving a hearse, delivering pinball machines for a company called Pinball Machine Company.
- He loved the 1950s hearse, which he used to deliver pinball machines, and even joked that it was a great place to slide a pinball machine in.
- The car was a conversation piece, and wherever Geoff went, it followed him, much to the amusement of those around him.
One day, while driving through Golders Green, a car was following Geoff’s hearse. When he pulled over to let the car pass, the occupants approached him and asked if he was doing a “funeral at three in the morning, with a hippie twist.” Geoff explained that he was actually delivering pinball machines, and the people from Channel 4, who were making a documentary on eccentrics, were intrigued by his unusual occupation. “They said, ‘We’re from Channel 4. We’re doing a documentary on eccentrics. Can we please have your number, please?’
Geoff’s unusual occupation and love for pinball machines made him a natural fit for the show. He went on to appear in numerous episodes, showcasing his expertise and passion for the machines. Aside from his TV work, Geoff is kept busy running his own business, supplying and repairing pinball machines, and volunteering with an organization called The Listening Place, which works with suicidal people, providing them with face-to-face support rather than phone-based conversations.
Geoff is also curating Pinball Alley at the upcoming Classic Car Boot Sale in Kings Cross, London, on April 26 and 27. The two-day event celebrates all things vintage, including music, food, fashion, design, and classic cars, bikes, and commercial vehicles.
“I’ve heard about it for years, and I’ve seen pictures of it, and people said, ‘Geoff, you must go to the car boot sale. It’s absolutely amazing,’”
This will be Geoff’s first time attending the event, but he is excited to experience it and has high hopes for the future.
As Geoff continues to pursue his passions, he remains humble and grateful for the opportunities he has had. His story serves as a reminder that success can come from the most unexpected places, and that following one’s dreams can lead to a fulfilling and exciting career.