The Great British Sewing Bee Christmas Special 2025: air date and celebrity line up, including Strictly's Anton Du Beke
Which of these celebrities know their way around a sewing machine?
The Great British Sewing Bee Christmas Special is heading to BBC One this December – and we now have the full celebrity line-up and a release date.
The BBC announced last month that Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke, comedian and Celebrity Traitors star Lucy Beaumont, actress Susan Wokoma and Gladiators star Tom Wilson will all be putting their sewing skills to the test this Christmas.
First, the celebrities will put their twist on a pattern for a festive present sack. They will turn second-hand party wear into an outfit inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Finally, the four famous sewers will be tasked with creating an outfit for real-life models inspired by their favourite Christmas treat. What could possibly go wrong?!
The Great British Sewing Bee Christmas Special 2025 line-up: Anton Du Beke
Viewers will know Anton as a former Strictly professional dancer. He has been with the show since it first aired in 2004, making him the only dancer who has appeared in every series.
In 2021, he swapped his dancing shoes for a judge’s chair after covering for Bruno Tonioli for a few episodes in 2020.
But while we know Anton, 59, can dance, how will he fare with a sewing machine?
Lucy Beaumont swaps Traitors for the Sewing Bee
Joining Anton is Lucy, who is fresh from her stint on Celebrity Traitors. Fans were fuming when the three Traitors — Alan Carr, Cat Burns and Jonathan Ross – murdered Lucy in plain sight on the show.
Lucy, 42, often appears on numerous TV shows, including Taskmaster, Would I Lie To You and Celebrity Gogglebox.
Susan Wokoma heads into the sewing room
Susan, 37, gained recognition for her role as Edith in the Enola Holmes films.
She has also starred as Fola in Cheaters, Cynthia in Chewing Gum and Raquel in Crazyhead. Most recently, she appeared in Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel.
The Great British Sewing Bee Christmas Special: Tom Wilson
Better known to Gladiators fans as Hammer, Tom joined the family-favourite Saturday night show in the second series.
Tom is a British rowing champion, known for his strength, speed and size. But, does the 32-year-old have what it takes to impress the judges in the sewing room this Christmas?
When does The Great British Sewing Bee Christmas Special 2025 air?
You can catch The Great British Sewing Bee Christmas Special 2025 on Christmas Eve at 7.25pm on BBC One.
You will also be able to catch the episode on BBC iPlayer after the episode has aired, along with past series of the show.
The show is one of a very packed BBC Christmas TV schedule for this December – check out all its other shows here.
What will the celebrities be making?
The celebrity hopefuls will put their twist on a pattern for a festive present sack and turn second-hand party wear into an outfit inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas.
They will also create an outfit for real-life models inspired by their favourite Christmas treat!
The Great British Sewing Bee’s new host
The celebrity announcement comes shortly after it was revealed that actor and comedian Sophie Willan will be taking over from Sara Pascoe as presenter for the Christmas special and new series.
BBC Commissioning Editor Cal Turner said: “We’re delighted to welcome Sophie to The Great British Sewing Bee. With her boundless enthusiasm and energy, Sophie will bring her own unique spark to the sewing room.”
Judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young will also return to cast their expert eyes over proceedings this Christmas.
Patrick has been a staple in the show since it landed on our screens back in 2013. Esme joined the series a few years later in 2016.
Read more: Full Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025 line-up announced
