Joe Lycett to host The Great British Sewing Bee
- Joe Lycett will be the new host of The Great British Sewing Bee, when the show returns to BBC Two in 2019
- He jokes he is "tailor made" for the format and will have the contestants "in stitches"
The BBC has confirmed that stand-up comedian Joe Lycett will be the new host of The Great British Sewing Bee, when the show returns in 2019.
Explaining the format, the Corporation says: "Over eight weeks amateur sewers will be put to the test and take on challenges as they compete to be named Britain's best home sewer, and face resident expert judges - Patrick Grant and Esme Young."
In a pun-filled statement, Joe Lycett comments: "My mum loves this show and she's bursting at the seams she's sew excited! Weave talked about it and she says I'm tailor made and I'll have the contestants in stitches."
This will be the fifth series of the contest show, which is made by Bake Off producers Love Productions. The programme was last on air in 2016, with Claudia Winkleman as host. Stepping down due to other commitments, she says: "I'm so sad I can't be part of Sewing this year but know Joe will adore it. I wish the whole fantastic team so much luck."
BBC Two controller Patrick Holland says: "I am delighted that Sewing Bee will be returning with Joe Lycett. The series is brilliant TV filled with great craft, passionate creators and a big dash of mischief. Whilst sad that Claudia wasn't able to do the series, I'd like to thank her for being such a fantastic host and welcome the hugely talented Joe. It promises to be a lot of fun."
Richard McKerrow from Love Productions comments: "We are all thrilled The Great British Sewing Bee will be back on BBC Two and excited to welcome Joe Lycett as the new host. His warmth and wit will undoubtedly delight our amateur sewers and the audience when he joins judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young in the Sewing Bee haberdashery for a brand new series."
Lycett's other current shows include Radio 4 panel show It's Not What You Know, and the forthcoming new series Joe Lycett's Obsessions, in which he "chats to famous guests and the general public about their obsessions and guilty pleasures". As recently reported, he is also set to host a "consumer rights and justice" comedy pilot for Channel 4 called Joe Lycett's Got Your Back.