The Great British Sewing Bee: Comedian and actress Sophie Willan confirmed as new host of BBC show
Natasha Rigler | 4:36pm Thu 11 Sep | Updated 5:11pm Thu 11 SepSophie Willan has been confirmed as the new host of The Great British Sewing Bee.
Sophie will be taking over the presenting job from Sara Pascoe, who has hosted the last three series of the BBC show.
The BBC confirmed Sophie’s new job amid whispers that she will be at the helm of The Great British Sewing Bee when it returns for a new series.
Cal Turner, BBC 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.”
Who is Sophie Willan?
The Great British Sewing Bee’s new host Sophie Willan is an award-winning actress, writer and comedian. Sophie grew up in Bolton, Greater Manchester, and spent time living in care when she was a child.
Sophie is 37 years old. Her career began when she set up the feminist theatre and cabaret group, Eggs Collective. Sophie has since enjoyed a successful stand-up career. She’s known for calling upon her own life experiences as inspiration for her material.
The star has previously been candid about how she was expelled from school for arriving drunk in a bikini. Sophie has also spoken openly about how she previously resorted to sex work to make money.
Sophie lives in London with her partner, chef Carniel Francis Levy. The couple are expecting a baby boy together in November 2025.
Alma’s Not Normal and BAFTA win
Sophie is best known for writing the hit comedy series, Alma’s Not Normal. The BBC Two sitcom follows the story of aspiring actress Alma Nuthall, who is trying to get through life alongside a chaotic and unruly mother and eccentric grandmother.
The show ran for two series and saw working class Alma arrive at school drunk and in a bikini…(sound familiar?!). Sophie took on the lead role of Alma, who left school without qualifications, spent time in care and – again like Sophie – also worked as an escort.
Sophie previously told The Guardian: “I wanted to show a really honest take on escorting and not give a definitive opinion. Because I think that’s what you see a lot – very definitive opinions about escorting.”
Sophie won a BAFTA Television Craft Award for Best Writer: Comedy for the pilot episode of Alma’s Not Normal. She also scooped Best Female Comedy Performance at the 2022 BAFTAs for her portrayal of Alma. The series was nominated for Best Scripted Comedy that same year.
Sophie Willan on The Great British Sewing Bee
Sophie is the new host of The Great British Sewing Bee. This means she will be on-hand to chat to the contestants about their journey when the BBC series returns.
She will work alongside Great British Sewing Bee judges, Patrick Grant and Esme Young, when the new crop of talent arrives in the sewing room, and talk the contestants through their masterpieces.
BBC execs say they are looking forward to Sophie bringing “her own trademark wit and warmth” to the show.
Past presenters
The Great British Sewing Bee launched in 2013. It was sold to viewers as a spin-off to The Great British Bake Off. Claudia Winkleman, from Strictly Come Dancing and The Traitors, presented the show for four years.
Other hosts include Joe Lycett and Taskmaster presenter Kiell Smith‑Bynoe. Sara took over the helm from Joe in 2022. It is not known exactly why she has been replaced by the BBC with Sophie.
When is The Great British Sewing Bee back?
Sophie will make her presenting debut in just a few short months. The show will return in December for the Great British Sewing Bee: Christmas Celebrity Special, with Sophie at the helm.
The Great British Sewing Bee will then return for a new series in 2026. Sophie will again host the show.
Read more: Joanna Page announced as host of brand new’ warm-hearted’ BBC show Shift the Thrift
