The BBC has just announced the new host of The Great British Sewing Bee! Comedian, writer and actor Sophie Willan will take over from Sara Pascoe as the presenter of the show from the Celebrity Christmas special this December.
The news came after the semi-final saw the shock exit of a fan favourite, which left viewers of the show reeling.
Sophie will join judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young to lead Britain’s most creative stitchers through their challenges when the new series arrives on BBC One and iPlayer next year and will also host the Christmas Celebrity Special later this year. Sophie's humour and warmth will be a welcome addition to the Sewing Room in 2026.
Past hosts of the show have included TV presenter Claudia Winkleman and comedians Joe Lycett and Kiell Smith-Bynoe.
In a statement, the BBC said: "Sara has been a brilliant, witty and much-loved presence in the sewing room and both the BBC and the Bee team thank her for three wonderful 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."
Tom Davies, Executive Producer Love Productions says: “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.”
Who is the new Sewing Bee host Sophie Willan?
Sophie Willan is a 37-year-old comedian and actor who was born in London and grew up in Bolton. Her TV credits include a role in the sitcom Still Open All Hours and appearances on the popular comedy gameshow Taskmaster. In 2020, she wrote and starred in her own sitcom Alma's Not Normal, which was broadcast on BBC Two.
While Sophie's best known for her comedy, she also has several acting credits to her name including an appearance in BBC One's prison drama, Time.
She's won numerous awards for her work, including a Chortle best newcomer award, and she was the first person to receive the BBC’s Caroline Aherne Comedy Bursary. Sophie's also just been announced as a judge for the next series of Drag Race UK!
