The Great British Sewing Bee 2024 returns to BBC1 for its 10th series and Ghosts star Kiell Smith-Bynoe hosts once more, having stepped in for The Great British Sewing Bee Christmas special 2023.
Kiell will be watching over the 12 competitor stitchers from across the country, who will take on tough challenges set by judges Esme Young and Patrick Grant. Who will be crowned Britain’s most sensational seamster by the end of the summer, taking the title from the 2023 champion Asmaa?
"I’d never presented before, I didn’t realise how hard it is!" says Kiell, who took part in the celebrity festive edition of the hit BBC1 sewing contest in 2021 and now takes on hosting duties while regular presenter, comedian Sara Pascoe, is on maternity leave. "I really enjoyed being in the sewing room so to come back in this capacity is great!"
Patrick Grant and Esme Young return as judges for this 10th series to put 12 sewers - who this year range in age from 20-84 and include an office manager, DJ and a retired research physicist - through their paces with tricky pattern, transformation and made-to-measure challenges.
"We all know Esme is the scarier judge!" says Kiell. ‘As fun as it was, I wouldn’t want to be in the contestant’s seat again. I still wake up in the middle of the night worrying Esme’s going to come in and say, “There’s a hole in that ‘The standard of the sewers blew my mind,’ says Kiell who would approach the contestants regularly to offer support. ‘Although, one thing I learnt is when they say, “go away!” it’s not because they hate me, it’s because they only have five minutes left to finish sewing. I mustn’t take it personally!"
Here's everything you need to know about The Great British Sewing Bee 2024 on BBC1.
The Great British Sewing Bee 2024 release date
The Great British Sewing Bee 2024 starts on BBC1 on Tuesday, May 21 2024 at 9pm, with episodes running weekly for the following nine weeks at the same time.
All episodes will also become available weekly on BBCiPlayer.
Patrick Grant and Esme Young on what happens in The Great British Sewing Bee 2024?
There are all sorts of challenges for this series of The Great British Sewing Bee, some of which will reflect the summer of sport in 2024. Each week, they must take part in three challenges: a Pattern Challenge to test their basic dressmaking skills, a Transformation Challenge to assess their creativity, plus a Made To Measure Challenge to create a bespoke garment. One contestant's creation is awarded Garment Of The Week by the judges, and another is sent home from the competition. The grand final sees the remaining three sewers battle it out to be crowned winner.
"I can’t believe it!" smiles Patrick Grant, who’s sat in judgement since the competition began in 2013, first alongside May Martin and then, since 2016, Esme Young. "Over the past decade, I’ve gone from having a nice brown beard to a slightly elderly-looking grey moustache, but I still love making this show! I’m super-proud of it."
Patrick says: "It's pretty special to make 10 series. Milestones give you pause to reflect, and I’m absolutely delighted that the show is still popular. It’s one of the warmest and kindest shows on the telly.
Esme adds: "There’s definitely a celebratory air in the Sewing Room this series. Let’s hope it goes on for another 10!"
The Great British Sewing Bee 2024 contestants
Here's a brief rundown of the 12 contestants for The Great British Sewing Bee 2024, so we can see who'll be vying to take over from 2023 winner Asmaa (see below).
AILSA
Events planner, 28
Proud Scot Ailsa was taught to sew by her late seamstress mum and enjoys upcycling second-hand clothes.
ALEX
Copywriter, 32
Ultramarathon runner Alex enjoyed making stuffed toys as a child and now likes sewing oversized garments.
COMFORT
Design and business manager, 33
Trained architect Comfort hopes to showcase her East African heritage and passion for vibrant colours.
DON
Retired research physicist, 84
The show’s oldest-ever competitor, dad-of-eight Don was taught to sew over 70 years ago by his mum.
GEORGIE
Club and festival DJ, 40
Passionate about sustainability, former police officer Georgie often makes her clothes out of tablecloths and quilted blankets!
JANET
Retired, 75
Having been sewing since she was 12, mum-of-three Janet loves making glamorous dresses for her dancing classes.
LAUREN
Finance administrator, 36
Talented singer Lauren is inspired by 1980s fashion and likes adding pops of colour to the fun outfits she creates.
LUKE
Diversity, equality and inclusion director, 33
Classically-trained musician Luke – who is non-binary and uses the they/them pronouns – hopes to break gender stereotypes through their designs.
MARCUS
Teaching assistant, 30
Watching Sewing Bee inspired Marcus to make clothes for his wife, until he switched to making 90s-style streetwear for himself.
NEIL
Woodwork instructor, 52
Neil, who began sewing so he could make vintage outfits for his 1940s swing dancing hobby, has his own ventriloquist doll called Terry.
PASCHA
Student, 20
This year’s youngest sewer, Pascha, often uses her great-grandma’s old seamstress patterns to create the reversible clothing she loves.
SUZY
Waitress, 28
A fan of big ruffles and enormous sleeves, Suzy often uses charity shop curtains and bedsheets to make her creations!
Is there a trailer for The Great British Sewing Bee 2024?
No trailer for The Great British Sewing Bee 2024 has yet been released by the BBC but as soon as it is, we'll be posting here.
The Great British Sewing Bee 2024 episode guide
Here's our brief guide to the episodes in The Great British Sewing Bee 2024...
Episode 1
The series kicks off with Back to Basics Week, and the stitchers must make a denim A-line skirt, change the neckline on a tunic top and produce a casual dress with a vintage or summer festival vibe. Who gets through the first hurdle?
Episodes 2 to 10
We'll be updating as the series progresses.
