The Great British Sewing Bee in huge shake-up as presenter is replaced

A huge presenter of a hit BBC show has announced she's leaving after three series, and her replacement has already been named.

Sara Pascoe, host of The Great British Sewing Beeis being replaced by Bafta-winning actress Sophie Willan who stars in Alma's Not Normal and Ludwig. It comes a year after she took maternity leave. The comedian had her first child, Theodore, via IVF at age 40 and her second child, Albie, at age 42.

Sophie will start her role next year and will be joined by judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young. Patrick has been a judge since the show started in 2013, with Esme joining three years later. The two have struck up an extremely close friendship since.

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Speaking of Sara's exit, a BBC spokesperson 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."

"We are delighted to welcome Sophie Willan to The Great British Sewing Bee," commissioning editor Cal Turner said on the signing. 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."

Before Sara's arrival three years ago, Claudia Winkleman and Joe Lycett both had stints hosting the spin-off of The Great British Bake Off. During the tenth series, Kiell Smith-Bynoe replaced Sara as she gave birth to her second son.

It's not Sophie's only new gig, as she was also recently announced as a new addition to the RuPaul's Drag Race UK judging panel.

As well as a new series next year, Sophie will also be joining the judges for a Christmas special later this year. Announcing the news on social media, the BBC penned: "Welcome your new host of The Great British Sewing Bee... Sophie Willan!

"The BAFTA-winning comedian, writer and actor will join judges @patrickgrantism and @miss_esme_young and some of Britain's most creative stitchers in a new series on #iPlayer and BBC One next year.

"Christmas? Glad you asked, Sophie's also bringing her trademark wit and warmth to the festive season and hosting the Christmas Celebrity Special later this year."

Despite originally being made as a spin off for The Great British Bake Off, The Great British Sewing Bee remained on BBC One, while Bake Off made its move to Channel 4 in 2017. Last week, viewers were left fuming as the two shows clashed.

One viewer wrote on X: "Would be interested to see stats on how many viewers switch over from Bake Off on Channel 4 to BBC1 for Sewing Bee at 9! Who decided a b***** overlap was a good idea?"

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