As Sara Pascoe steps down

Sophie Willan has been announced as the new host of The Great British Sewing Bee.

The comedian and creator of BBC comedy series Alma's Not Normal will take over from Sara Pascoe from its next series in 2026.

She will be joining alongside returning judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young  in the reality show.

BBC commissioning editor Cal Turner, 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.’

The series launched in 2013 with Claudia Winkleman as host. Joe Lycett  took over in 2019 followed by Pascoe in 2022 – although  Kiell Smith-Bynoe stood in for last year’s tenth series. 

The current series of The Great British Sewing Bee ends next Tuesdays at 9pm on BBC One.

Published: 11 Sep 2025