SEW proud!

ESME YOUNG and PATRICK GRANT on celebrating 10 series of their ever-popular search for amazing amateur stitchers

- REBECCA FLETCHER

THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE NEW TUESDAY, 9PM, BBC1 ENTERTAINMENT

There is an extra buzz of excitement in the air when The Great British Sewing Bee returns to our screens this week for its 10th series! 'I can't believe it!' smiles Patrick Grant, who's sat in judgement since the competition began in 2013, first alongside May Martin and then, since 2016, Esme Young. 'But I still love making this show! I'm super-proud of it."

The contest has seen other changes since its debut too - moving from BBC2 to BBC1 in 2020, swapping its original London setting for Sunny Bank Mills in Leeds two years ago and welcoming different presenters to its helm, with Claudia Winkleman succeeded by Joe Lycett and Sara Pascoe.

Following hosting last year's celebrity Christmas edition, Ghosts star Kiell Smith-Bynoe steps in again for Sara, who's on maternity leave, for the new 10-part run which will see 12 new stitchers (see box, right) put through their paces.

Here, Patrick, 52, creative director of Savile Row tailor Norton & Sons, and Esme, 75, co-founder of 1970s Swanky Modes fashion label, take TV Times behind-the-seams...

Congratulations on reaching Series 10! How does it feel?

PATRICK Pretty special. Milestones give you pause to reflect, and I’m absolutely delighted that the show is still popular. It’s one of the warmest and kindest shows on the telly.

ESME There’s definitely a celebratory air in the Sewing Room this series. Let’s hope it goes on for another 10!

When you were filming the very first episode, Patrick, did you ever think