The Great British Sewing Bee is back for a Christmas special, airing in just a few days time!
We loved this year’s series of GBSB, so it’s lovely news that it’s back on our screens for a festive special. Get your mulled wine and mince pies ready and enjoy a crafty, cosy episode from our favourite sewing show.
Have a read through our little guide before the episode to find out who’s joining the Bee’s judges, and what they’ll be getting up to.
When to watch
Watch this year’s Christmas special on Thursday 21 December at 9pm on BBC One.
Who’s presenting?
Esme Young and Patrick Grant return as judges, with Kiell Smith-Bynoe taking over presenting from Sara Pascoe for this Christmas episode. He’s an accomplished actor, and you might recognise him from the popular Ghosts series, as well as Stath Lets Flats.
Who’ll be sewing?
Punk icon Toyah Willcox, whose impressive musical career has spanned 40 years, said she found taking part in the show really rewarding. Toyah is known for her epic outfits, so I can’t wait to see how that translates to her sewing! I’m hoping for some punk-inspired makes and lots of creativity.
Kerry Godliman is an actor and comedian, who you might recognise from appearances on Mock The Week, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Taskmaster, as well as her roles in the series Derek, Call The Midwife and Bad Move. I’m looking forward to seeing Kerry in this episode – I’m sure she’ll bring her brilliant sense of humour (and if her purple jumpsuit is anything to go by, we’ll see some fun makes)!
We’re expecting lots of laughs with Jessica Knappett, a comedian and writer. She’s the creator, writer, executive producer, and star of the E4 sitcom Drifters. Speaking before the show airs, she mentioned she had more luck coming up with the ideas rather than executing the makes themselves.
Last but not least is actor Hammed Animashaun, best known for his roles in Wheel of Time and BBC’s Black Ops. I think he’ll be a really good laugh, and I can’t wait to see what he gets up to in the episode!
Any clues on the challenges?
It’s Christmas themed, so we know they’ll be making some festive classics – but the judges do often add a little twist. The BBC have said the contestants will be putting their twist on a pattern for a Christmas stocking, and turning puffer jackets into food-themed fancy dress for kids. I’m interested to see what they come up with here! Finally, the big challenge of the day will creating a dream outfit worthy for Christmas Day.
Watch the Sewing Bee Christmas special on Thursday 21 December at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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