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Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
The Great British Sewing Bee is back - but I miss Kiell Smith-Bynoe
The Great British Sewing Bee returned last night, with host Sara Pascoe back at the helm after maternity leave. She was dressed as a strange, trippy cloud – and it was wonderful. Until Sewing Bee comes around, I always forget how much I love it. And Tuesday's launch show might just have been the greatest opening episode of any Sewing Bee yet – the talent more exciting than any series before it. But I missed Kiell Smith-Bynoe, and wished he could've been part of its great return. Sara had to skip the last series of Sewing Bee to have her second child, so Ghosts actor and fellow comedian Kiell stepped in and unexpectedly became the best thing to ever happen to the show. Kiell's lack of presenting experience might be why he was so great. He felt more like each contestant's mate popping over for a catch up. There was an effortlessness to him that I imagine comes from not really having a presenting hat on and just having a laugh. The contestants clearly adored him on a personal level and it was easy to see why, when he approached them all with sincere interest and genuine appreciation of their work. All without pretending he had the slightest clue what they were doing. At the time, he felt like such an obscure choice. Sure, spooky sitcom Ghosts is hugely popular, but he wasn't a household name like the previous Sewing Bee hosts: Pascoe, Joe Lycett, and Claudia Winkleman. But very quickly, it became clear that Kiell fit Sewing Bee like a perfectly hand-crafted glove. Every week, I found myself looking forward to the show more than I ever had before – genuinely counting down the days until my boyfriend and I could get cosy and watch the most content people I've ever seen create breathtaking designs with a level of humility and kindness you'd be hard-pressed to find backstage at London Fashion Week. I hadn't even seen Kiell in anything before. He'd acted in the likes of Death in Paradise, Stath Lets Flats, Ghosts, and Lily Allen's short-lived comedy Dreamland. He'd also been a huge hit on Channel 4's Taskmaster, which pits comedians against each other in absurd challenges – but admittedly, I knew nothing about him. Even Kiell himself had no idea why he'd been chosen to present Sewing Bee. He wasn't afraid to address the elephant in the room either. In his first episode as a host, he joked: 'Now this challenge is judged blindly, so the judges are off to watch Ghosts on iPlayer, as Esme has no idea who I am or why I got this job.' But judge Patrick Grant saw the potential, slid into his DMs, and it turned out to be an inspired decision. Even on X (formerly Twitter), where compliments are few and far between, the response was overwhelmingly positive. You'd have struggled to find a single negative tweet and it seemed he'd found a home there for good. But to clarify: I'm not a monster. I would never suggest that a woman take time off to have a baby and lose her job as a result. I absolutely love Sara Pascoe. Every time I see or hear her, I fall even more in love with her nervous energy and obscure quick wit. She's absolutely fantastic on Sewing Bee because she's just completely herself at all times. I've seen her stand-up too many times to count, and there's such an ease to everything she does. Still, I do think it's a missed opportunity not to have kept Kiell on, too – the pair of them could've made the dreamiest of double acts. And one that isn't made up of the same few presenters – Rylan, Alison Hammond, Davina McCall, or AJ Odudu – currently hogging every corner of British television. Sewing Bee is as close to perfect as television gets, but even perfection can evolve. I don't think Bake Off would work with Noel Fielding on his own. Granted, Alison Hammond's chaos gives every show she touches the Midas touch, but these gentle-competition formats thrive with a dynamic duo at the helm. As Sewing Bee's judges, Patrick Grant and Esme Young are a criminally underrated double act whose chemistry puts Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith to shame. But with Kiell proving to be such a seamless addition to the franchise, it feels strange – almost wrong – to return to Sewing Bee without him. Since launching in 2013, Sewing Bee has been consistently popular, but it hasn't quite captured the zeitgeist the way Bake Off or even The Great Pottery Throw Down has – and in my opinion, it's so much better than both. It's inclusive, innovative, and packed with warmth, even if that's the last thing we need during this insufferable heatwave. But I really believe it could break through to the next level with Kiell joining Sara. More Trending As well as his everyman charm, he was brilliant at the off-beat comedy that interrupts the contest – something Sara also excels at. Together, they could be an unstoppable pairing, capable of transcending Sewing Bee altogether. Regardless, one episode in and there's already a lot to be excited about the Sewing Bee, including Sara Pascoe. I'd listen to Jojo Siwa's torturous cover of Bette Davis Eyes on repeat for Caz, and Saffie's purple and yellow pleated dress in the made-to-measure was a work of art. Every single contestant feels like 'one other watch', which is unheard of. I just wish Kiell was there too. View More » Great British Sewing Bee airs Wednesdays at 9pm on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: The two presenters MasterChef must now hire after Gregg Wallace and John Torode debacle MORE: How John Torode was 'blindsided' by MasterChef sacking after 20 years on BBC series MORE: England can savour Swede taste of success after hitting top form at Euro 2025
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The Great British Sewing Bee fans rage 'is it even worth watching now?!' as BBC 'spoils' new series after just one episode
The Great British Sewing Bee fans have raged 'is it even worth watching now?!' as the BBC spoils the new series after just one episode. The garment-making competition, hosted by comedian Sara Pascoe, 44, returned to our screens on Tuesday night. A new cast of 12 amateur sewers will be assessed on their seamster skills by expert judges Esme Young, 76, and Patrick Grant, 53, over ten weeks. But many viewers took to social media with a litany of complaints just minutes after the first episode of the brand new series began. A montage of clips of what is to come on the programme was shown - and fans felt it gave too much away about the content of upcoming episodes. One said on X: 'Is it even worth watching #SewingBee - they've shown everything in the first few minutes. The bane of any competition programme.' Another replied: 'I agree, I try not to watch the intro and outro, talk about spoiler alert!' Someone else chimed in: 'I think it's worse when they show you "next week" and flash half the stuff almost finished.' It was not the only aspect of the preview trailer that got tongues wagging, as another section of it saw a sneak peek at a future doll-making task. But one of the toys shown was truly unsettling, with dark button eyes and a stitched-up mouth, making it look like something out of a horror film. In fact, the official Sewing Bee X account even posted about the moment: 'Apologies for this absolute jumpscare...' One viewer agreed it was one of the show's creepiest ever creations: 'That's up there with the ventriloquist doll from a couple of seasons back!' Elsewhere online, people felt the return of the show had not been advertised enough - causing them to almost miss the launch episode entirely. One commented, referring to the BBC's recent sports coverage: 'Crumbs! I've been so busy avoiding Wimbledon that I didn't even realise Sewing Bee is back! Fans were not pleased about being shown so much of the upcoming episodes in the preview trailer It was not the only aspect of the preview trailer that got tongues wagging, as another section of it saw a sneak peek at a future doll-making task (pictured) 'Get me a comfy chair, a wine and the playlist ASAP!' Another similarly said: 'Poor work from the BBC, barely seen a single sniff of the trailer for the new series of Sewing Bee. 'One of the most charming TV shows going and I almost stumbled across the fact it is back on tonight!' But many viewers, while surprised by its return, were simply glad to see the beloved programme back for another year. 'Nobody told me it's back tonight. What a lovely surprise and welcome back! #SewingBee', one said. Another commented: 'Oh I do love this, so pleased it's back #SewingBee.' This series will see the sewers tested on weekly themes as diverse as art, movies, the 1920s and Korea variously. Each episode sees the sewers take on the customary three challenges - pattern, transformation and made-to-measure. Elsewhere online, people felt the return of the show had not been advertised enough - causing them to almost miss the launch episode entirely But many viewers, while surprised by its return, were simply glad to see the beloved programme back for another year Their performance each week sees the best seamster awarded garment of the week - while one is sent home. In the launch episode, the contestants had to follow the pattern for a tie-front peplum blouse before cobbling together items from the haberdashery to make a circle skirt. They then had to design a dress with pleats that had been fitted perfectly to a model. The Sewing Bee has now been running for 12 years, after it was created in 2013 as a spin-off from the now iconic The Great British Bake Off. Its return comes after a casting shake-up in another of the programmes in the family of related Great British shows - Celebrity Bake-Off. The next series of the star-studded Channel 4 competition, set to air in 2026, will see acclaimed pastry chef Cherish Finden, 57, step in as a judge, according to The Sun. Cherish, known to viewers as the no-nonsense star of Bake Off: The Professionals, is a multi-award-winning chef with more than 20 years of international experience under her apron. A former Culinary Olympics champion, she currently serves as Executive Pastry Chef at London's five-star Langham Hotel and has been dubbed one of the UK's top afternoon tea experts. She joined Bake Off: The Professionals in 2016 and has since become a fan favourite for her razor-sharp critiques and flawless standards. Born in Singapore, Cherish began working at just 14 and quickly moved into the kitchen, enrolling in culinary school at 16. She went on to train in some of Singapore's most prestigious hotels, including the iconic six-star Raffles. As a seasoned TV personality, Cherish has appeared on MasterChef UK, Australian MasterChef, Junior Bake Off, An Extra Slice, and Heston's Great British Food on Channel 4. She even baked for royalty – designing a cake shaped like Windsor Castle for the late Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday. MailOnline contacted Channel 4 and Cherish's representatives for comment at the time. The new role comes after Prue Leith, 85, announced she was stepping away from all Great British Bake Off specials earlier this year. Her place was temporarily filled by food writer Caroline Waldegrave, 72, during the most recent series.
Tom's Guide
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
How to watch "The Great British Sewing Bee" 2025 on BBC iPlayer (it's free)
You can watch "The Great British Sewing Bee" season 11 live on BBC, streaming for free, from July 15, 2025. The free stream includes all 10 episodes and every Made-to-Measure challenge as Sewing Bee grips sewers round the world. The British platform will stream The Great British Sewing Bee live and in HD as 12 new seamsters tackle dramatic pleats and and tricky garments. But how can you watch "The Great British Sewing Bee" from anywhere? Can you get the free BBC stream in Canada and the U.S. too? And what devices is BBC iPlayer on? Here's our full (and quick) guide to how to watch "The Great British Sewing Bee" BBC iPlayer... The BBC has exclusive rights to "The Great British Sewing Bee" 2025 in the U.K. and will be showing season 11 FREE on its streaming platform BBC iPlayer. You must be a British resident and have a valid TV license. If so, register for your account today. OUTSIDE THE U.K.? ACCESS iPLAYER FROM ANYWHERE WITH A VPN. BBC iPlayer is free to watch, but is it only broadcasting "The Great British Sewing Bee" for free in the U.K. Sewing lovers traveling or working outside the U.K. will need to use a VPN to access BBC iPlayer free Sewing Bee stream in the U.S.A and Canada. There are lots of VPNs but NordVPN is the one you can rely on to unblock BBC iPlayer and stream "The Great British Sewing Bee" like a pro.... and you can save 76%. NordVPN deal: FREE $50 / £50 Amazon gift card Boasting lightning fast speeds, great features, streaming power, and class-leading security, NordVPN is our #1 VPN. ✅ FREE Amazon gift card worth up to $50/£50✅ 4 months extra FREE!✅ 76% off usual price Use Nord to unblock BBC iPlayer and watch "Great British Sewing Bee" 2025 online with our exclusive deal. It's really easy to use a VPN to watch "The Great British Sewing Bee" S11 on BBC iPlayer. 1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite. 2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you want to watch the free "The Great British Sewing Bee" stream on iPlayer, choose 'United Kingdom' from the list. 3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to BBC iPlayer, sign in, and watch the "The Great British Sewing Bee" on iPlayer for free. BBC iPlayer will have full coverage of "The Great British Sewing Bee" season 11 – the 2025 series – hosted by Sara Pascoe, who returns to the sewing room after a spell of maternity leave. Judges Patrick Grant (former director of Savile Row tailors Norton & Sons) and British fashion designer Esme Young (@miss_esme_young) will test the sewers' skills with a 90-minute Transformation Challenge and the Made-to-Measure challenge. One sewer will earn Garment of the Week while another will leave the sewing room. Amazon Fire (Tablets, Cube, Stick, TVs) Android/Google TV (please note: some models aren't supported) Android (phone & tablet) - Android 7.0 and above Apple TV (tvOS 14 or later) Google TV (Chromecast with Google TV and NVIDIA Shield) Freely Freesat (please note: some models aren't supported) Freeview Play (TVs and set-top boxes) (some models aren't supported) iOS (iPhone & iPad) - iOS 14 and above LG Smart TVs (2016-2024) NOW Smart Sticks and Boxes (minimum firmware v11.5.0) PlayStation (PS4 and PS5) Roku (Stick & Roku-OS powered TVs, minimum firmware v11.5.0) Samsung Phones and Smart TVs (2017 and above) Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream puck Virgin Media (360, Stream, TiVo) YouView (BT, Humax, Sony, TalkTalk) Xbox (One, Series X, Series S) The BBC is the only way to watch "The Great British Sewing Bee" season 11 – from launch on Tuesday, July 15. According to the BBC Annual Report published July 15, "digital consumption of BBC content significantly increased this year [2025] with nearly 10% more requests on BBC iPlayer." For the best streaming experience, the BBC recommends a 1.5Mbps connection for standard definition and 5Mbps for high definition (HD). We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
BBC News
30-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Sewing Bee judge to become Queen Margaret University chancellor
Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant is to become the next chancellor of Edinburgh's Queen Margaret designer will be installed in his new role at the first of the university's graduations at the Usher Hall on 7 chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university, presiding over graduation ceremonies and performing an ambassadorial up in Edinburgh, Grant has developed an international reputation as a champion of UK textile manufacturing, supporting local communities while producing high-quality, long-lasting garments. Having been educated in both Edinburgh and Barnard Castle, he went on to study a degree in materials science and engineering at the University of Leeds, followed later by an MBA from the University of Woodburn, chairwoman of the Court of Queen Margaret University, said: "Patrick's career and achievements resonate strongly with the university's strong social justice ethos, and with our commitment to building strong communities and acting as a force for good."Past chancellors at the university have included celebrity chef Prue Leith and Sir Tom Farmer, who died earlier this month.
Business Mayor
25-05-2025
- General
- Business Mayor
Cutting crime with community sentences
Re your article (Judges told to favour community alternatives over short prison sentences, 20 May), those given short custodial sentences risk losing their job and home, and there can be a negative impact on family relationships. Being released from prison homeless, unemployed and estranged from family increases the chances of reoffending. Community-based sentences should reduce this and have a positive impact on recidivism. Judith Feline Former governor, HMP Maidstone, Kent I couldn't agree more with Patrick Grant ('Buy less!': why Sewing Bee's Patrick Grant wants us to stop shopping, 19 May). In 2018, I started an experiment to not buy any clothes for a year – it lasted three years, well into the pandemic. I had begun the new year with throwing out 19 pairs of shoes, all with some disrepair. I now buy very few new things. Buying quality is the key, rather than fashionable items. Oxfam will give you a £5 Marks & Spencer voucher if you donate at least one item of M&S clothing. Angela Vnoucek Shrewsbury, Shropshire Instead of demolishing the £25m Brexit food control post in Portsmouth (Report, 31 May), perhaps it could be used to store all the red tape created for UK businesses as a result of Boris Johnson's Brexit deal. A museum dedicated to Brexit. Paresh Motla Thame, Oxfordshire Melanie van Niekirk's letter (23 May) brought a smile to my face and reminded me of the time when discussing saucepans, my wife asked our friend how he finds his induction hob? 'In the kitchen on the left as soon as you enter,' was his prompt repost. Dr Guru Singh Loughborough, Leicestershire Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section. READ SOURCE
