The ninth series of beloved BBC show The Great British Sewing Bee will soon hit our screens. The series, which is hosted by comedian Sara Pascoe, sees a group of contestants battle it out to become the best amateur sewer in the country.
As always, 12 competitors will take on three challenges each week. The new batch of contestants ranges in age from 20 to 73.
Patrick Grant and Esme Young return to judge the sewers. They’ll be the ones who send contestants home and also decide who wins the coveted Garment of the Week.
But when does the new series begin and who are the contestants taking part in the new series? Here’s everything you need to know. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
When does The Great British Sewing Bee return to screens?
The Great British Sewing Bee 2023 begins on BBC One on Wednesday, May 24 at 8pm. Its ninth series will consist of 10 episodes.
The show initially began airing on BBC Two but from series six onwards, the competition moved to BBC One.
Who are the sewers taking part in the new series?
The new series' contestants have now been revealed. They are as follows:
Asmaa – During the Iraq and Iran War, Asmaa would spend her time watching and learning from her grandmother who was a seamstress. She would hand sew the wardrobe for her dolls, using any scraps and remnants she could find. Now working as a consultant breast surgeon in Cardiff, Asmaa specialises in making underwear and has even created post-op bras for her breast cancer patients.
Catherine – A BAFTA award-winning video games designer, West Sussex-based Catherine invested in a sewing machine when she bought her first home and has been sewing ever since. She tries to dress sustainably and repurposes day dresses into underwear or other garments.
Fauve – A trainee solicitor based in Swansea, Fauve is also a top golfer who has represented Wales in the Home Nationals. The sewing bug bit five years ago when she went along to a sewing class and made a peg bag. Now, she sews in the evenings and likes creating puff-sleeved feminine dresses.
Gillie – Nottingham-based Gillie started sewing at the age of seven after her mother taught her how to thread a needle. She takes inspiration from French fashion, especially Coco Chanel and adores elegant designer clothing.
Lauren – Initially training to be a barrister, Lauren now works as a sales assistant at a local home furnishings company in the Midlands so she can devote more time to her children. She first started to sew when she decided to make a quilted memory blanket, using her children's baby clothes and now, sews for herself having learnt from online tutorials.
Lizzie – A creative director of her own graphics company, Bristol-based Lizzie was taught to sew by her mum, who passed away when she was young. Lizzie now sews as a way of staying connected to her and likes making clothes for her active lifestyle and for work.
Matthew – Peterborough-based Matthew trained to be a dancer and has performed at the opening ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympics, UEFA Champions League Final and the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant. When he's not sewing, Matthew works at a primary school as a teaching assistant and is influenced in his style by the drag scene, Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.
Maria – Costa Rica-born Maria works as an A&E nurse in Fife and uses sewing as the ultimate unwind after a stressful shift. Her mother taught her the basics but she's largely self-taught and enjoys making clothes, as well as handbags and purses which has led her to dabble in leatherwork.
Mia – Mia is this year's youngest sewer at age 20 and started sewing during lockdown after her mum bought a sewing machine. She was meant to go to university but deferred for two years and fell in love with sewing at that time. She now hopes to sew professionally and has applied to study costume design, which she is due to start after the show.
Tony R – Previously having worked as a high-flying manager in a manufacturing firm, Tony would often keep himself busy on long-haul flights to the Far East where he lived with crocheting and knitting. After changing careers three years ago, he pulled out his wife’s old sewing machine and has since made himself cycling gear and his own wardrobe influenced by '90s skater fashion.
Tony W – A primary school teacher in Essex, Tony was actually influenced to take up sewing after watching the show's first season. He has run a sewing club for children and mainly sews for himself, often opting for big bold fabric patterns for his shirts and tailored waistcoats.
Vicki – Working as a police dispatcher, Vicki often uses sewing as a release for what can often be a stressful job. Her love of sewing began as a child when her grandmother taught her to sew a straight line and she went on to sew her children's handmade outfits. Now, she sews to be able to dress how she likes and believes sewing has enabled her to express that one size does not fit all.
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