The Great British Sewing Bee said goodbye to yet another seamstress on Wednesday night as the competition edges ever closer to the grand final. In the latest episode, the contestants were tasked with lingerie and sleepwear garments, with the Made to Measure challenge seeing them create luxury pyjamas for their male models.
It was Man Yee's turn to win garment of the week but sadly Gill, who only started sewing three years ago, became the latest to be eliminated from the competition. After the announcement, she explained how she had "loved every minute" of her Sewing Bee experience.
Speaking in front of judges Patrick Grant, Esme Young, host Sara Pascoe and her fellow competitors, Gill tried to hold back tears as she explained: "It's been life-changing for me in a completely unexpected way. Before coming into this I would always wear a prosthetic limb and I have done for the whole of my life.
"Coming into this I knew that I wouldn't be able to do that. It's kind of made me realise that I don't need to do that anymore," the 44-year-old continued: "So you've kind of like set me free."
There wasn't a dry eye in the room as she made her speech and Patrick was seen crying before reaching out to give her a hug. Following the broadcast of the episode, he tweeted saying that he was "in tears again".
It wasn't just the contestants and judges left emotional by Gill's departure, the moment had a huge impact on viewers of the show too. Many Sewing Bee fans took to social media to say they have been "crying" and called the contestant "inspiring".
David Edwards tweeted: "OMG you could watch this a 100 times and you’d cry every time… fighting back tears and a snotty nose before a hardened roofing team arrive on site this morning! Gill, you are one incredible inspiring woman! You are a winner". "In tears hearing Gill speak," Cathy Boisclair said: "Wonderful lady, will miss your smile and enthusiasm so much".
Kirsty posted: "Gill's speech has me bawling. She's been so fab this season #SewingBee". Ann Howarth added: "Gill’s leaving ‘speech’ was so moving it made me quite tearful. What a great way to say goodbye. #SewingBee". Catherine Ross said: "#SewingBee is the best hour of telly all week! & Gill had me sobbing along with everyone else at the end!".
Gill also received a wave of support from fans for speaking about her disability and raising awareness. Darren tweeted: "Sorry to see Gill go. She's an inspiration to all people with a disability. How she creates those garments is incredible. We love you Gill! #SewingBee". Cas added: "She has been totally inspiring and such an amazing sewer of beautiful garments xxx Gill you will be missed #SewingBee".
Meanwhile Andy Wiggans posted: "Gill, As a 72 year old male who knows nothing about sewing I'm totally inspired by your incredible skills and your willingness to confront your evident disability in such a public way. Feel proud of what you have achieved for yourself and lots of others too".
The Great British Sewing Bee continues next Wednesday, June 15 from 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The full show is available to stream on the BBC iPlayer.
