The Great British Sewing Bee is back on BBC screens and judge Patrick Grant has spoken out about the extraordinary talent in this year’s competition.
The BBC star appeared on This Morning to speak about series 12 (Image: ITV)
The Great British Sewing Bee has returned for its 12th series as Patrick Grant and Esme Young are back once again. While 12 amateur sewers showcase their skills, in a bid to become Britain’s Best Amateur Sewer and take home the golden mannequin trophy, the competition is in full swing.
However, there’s some changes this year as Patrick opened up about a slightly different challenge BBC viewers can expect to see this year. Appearing on This Morning on Wednesday (July 22), Patrick told Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary that the talent this year is on another level.We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
When asked what viewers can expect to see in the 12th series, he replied: “There are a couple of new things!
“There’s always the odd new week, we’ve done some team challenges, which is kind of tricky, a bit more like in the real world if you were working in a costume department in a theatre. We’ve never done that before, so that’s new and kind of real and good and fun, it works out alright.”
The BBC star also shared that one of the people taking part in the competition this year reduced him and Esme to tears although he shared that they don’t know how talented they are.
Patrick and Esme are back to judge the series once again (Image: ITV)
This year, BBC viewers have been introduced to a fresh face on the programme, as comedian, writer and actor Sophie Willan has taken over as the new host.
During her debut on the series, it wasn’t long before people watching commented as many were quick to take to social media.
One person said: “Sophie’s a great new presenter on #SewingBee.” Another added: “I already prefer Sophie Willan to all the other hosts.
A third commented: “Great presenter.” As a fourth fan echoed the sentiment, saying: “Loving the new presenter and sewers this year.”
Sophie Willan has joined Esme Young and Patrick Grant for series 12 (Image: BBC)
The first episode of the series saw the contestants given three challenges on the theme of the British summer. Firstly, they took part in the Pattern Challenge, which saw them crafting summer shorts with a patch pocket.
Afterwards, they were given 90 minutes to transform barbecue aprons to bags. Finally, BBC viewers saw the Made-to-Measure Challenge.
Each contestant was asked to make a garment that would fit themselves as they became their own models. The outfits they created had to be for their ideal summer’s day.
However, due to one of the sewers being absent from the final challenge because of an illness, judge Patrick confessed that it seemed like the “fair thing” to not eliminate anyone.
