SEW much fun!

KIELL SMITH-BYNOE on why he's buzzing with excitement about his latest job

- REBECCA FLETCHER

THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE TUE, 9PM, BBC1 ENTERTAINMENT

Kiell Smith-Bynoe is thrilled to have swapped spooks for spindles in his new role as host of The Great British Sewing Bee.

'Although I didn't realise what hard work presenting is! I've presented some awards, but not a full series before,' smiles the Ghosts star, 35, who after competing in the 2021 celebrity Christmas special of the BBC1 contest was asked to helm last year's festive edition as well as the current 10th outing.

Stepping in for comedian Sara Pascoe while she's on maternity leave, Kiell appears right at home among the bobbins and bodkins as he supports the new collection of stitchers trying to impress judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young.

Here, Kiell tells TV Times why it's proving a dream gig, even if he's in no rush to thread a needle again...

How does it feel to be presenting Sewing Bee's 10th-anniversary series?

Oh, there's definitely a celebratory feel about the show. Although I'm still not sure I've got the job. I think I've filmed a 10-episode audition and hope I've got it! I really enjoyed taking part in the 2021 celebrity edition, so to come back in this capacity is great. Obviously, the next step is judge!

Who put you in the frame for hosting duties?

I have no idea! Patrick sent me a message, saying, ‘Please do the Sewing Bee job,’ but I thought it was one he’d tried to send two years ago about the Christmas special. Then my agent called, saying they’d like me to host the main gig and I was like, ‘What? ME?!’

Sounds like it was a nice surprise!

It’s very new to me and very different from what I’ve done before or was planning next. I’d never said, ‘Next up, I’ll try to present.’