Sophie Willan to become the new host of The Great British Sewing Bee

She takes over from Sara Pascoe, who steps away after three series.

Ahead of next week's final of The Great British Sewing Bee, BBC One has announced that Sara Pascoe is stepping away from hosting the show after three years, with comedian, writer and actor Sophie Willan joining as the new host.

Bringing her own trademark wit and warmth, Sophie will join judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young to lead Britain’s most creative stitchers through their challenges when the twelfth series arrives on BBC One next year and will also host the Christmas Celebrity Special later this year.

The Great British Sewing Bee has had a number of hosts over the years, with Claudia Winkleman hosting the first four series, Joe Lycett taking over from series five, Sara Pascoe hosting from series 8 and Kiell Smith-Bynoe hosting the show's tenth series in 2024 and 2023 Christmas special.

On Sophie joining the series, Cal Turner, Commissioning Editor, said "We are delighted to welcome Sophie Willan to The Great British Sewing Bee. With her boundless enthusiasm and energy, Sophie will bring her own unique spark to the sewing room alongside Patrick and Esme. We’d also like to thank Sara Pascoe for three brilliant series - her humour and charm have been a joy for viewers and stitchers alike."

To which Tom Davies, Executive Producer for Love Productions added "We are so excited to have Sophie join the Sewing Bee team and we cannot wait to see what she brings to the Sewing Room."

The Great British Sewing Bee is commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Factual Entertainment and Events for BBC One and iPlayer. The BBC Commissioning Editor is Cal Turner.

Produced by Love Productions, The Great British Sewing Bee is executive produced by Tom Davies and Kieran Smith.

The Great British Sewing Bee will return later this year for a Christmas special on BBC One