Mike Faithfull wrote:
When all else fails, ask uk.d-i-y .........

The problem is that the fabric
sheath which normally encloses the mains cable and steam tube between the
base unit and the iron has lost its anchor point at the iron end and has
shrunk back, exposing the mains flex and steam tube for a distance of about
15 inches.

No idea. Exactly the same thing has happened to mine. Let us know if
you find a spare please, I may need one shortly.