Auto filter hidden cells

[Chiccada]

Hello,

Yesterday I created a table and by using the custom format ;;; I managed
to hide all but the first line of each category and still get all lines of
the same instance to show in an auto filter. Today I open the sheet and try
to use the auto filter. All I get now is the visible line only. eg

Yesterday I made:
Bob 1
Bob 2
Bob 3

Look Like
Bob 1
2
3

Today I now only get
Bob 1

No edits have been made whatsoever. How can I get it back? I really need
this back as I want my print format to hide the repetitions but the auto
filter to still be fully functional.

Cheers,

Chiccada

 

[Chiccada]

UPDATE: I can get this back to it original function if I custom filter and
add a * to the start of text im filtering on.
I need this to be the default option as I will be needing to circulate this
sheet and would prefer not to be giving instructions to make it work.

Cheers,

Chiccada