June 25th 2024.
As the 10th season of The Great British Sewing Bee graces our screens, we are once again drawn into the heartwarming competition that has become a staple on the BBC since its debut in 2013. Similar to The Great British Bake Off, the show follows 10 talented contestants as they vie for the title of Britain's most sensational sewer. Judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young put the contestants through their paces with a series of challenges, including a pattern challenge, a made-to-measure challenge, and a transformation challenge, all centered around a specific theme to test their sewing skills.
But while viewers are already hooked on the beloved program, there is more to the show than meets the eye. We caught up with 2022 winner Annie to uncover some of the behind-the-scenes secrets of the fan-favorite show. Annie, who was crowned the winner in 2022, shared with us her experience of the lengthy and complicated application process, which included a questionnaire and a video explaining her desire to participate. Due to the pandemic, the later stages of the process involved multiple Zoom calls and a DIY sewing task while being interviewed.
Annie also revealed that the contestants have plenty of time to prepare their makes before filming begins. In her case, she found out she was selected in June 2021 and had the whole summer to get ready before the actual filming in September. However, it can be challenging to anticipate how much one's skills will develop during the competition, which can last for a couple of months. Despite the challenges, Annie and her fellow contestants were given an overarching theme each week to help them come up with ideas beforehand.
But even with all the preparation, the contestants were still caught off guard by the tasks presented to them by Patrick and Esme. Annie shared that for the sports-themed week, she had been practicing swimwear, only to be tasked with a completely different project on the day. Filming days were also quite long, as Annie recalled her experience of being pregnant during the competition.
However, amidst the long hours and intense competition, the contestants formed a strong bond with each other. Due to Covid restrictions, they were isolated from the outside world, which brought them closer together. Annie revealed that they had each other for emotional support and made friends for life. Even after the competition ended, they were able to let loose and celebrate with the production team.
Speaking of the production team, the brilliant judges, Patrick and Esme, were just as lovely off-screen as they are on-screen. Annie shared how they were always willing to offer advice and recommendations, making the contestants feel at ease. And even though they couldn't spend much time together due to Covid, they still managed to have some fun and banter between takes.
And for those wondering, the contestants do get their beautiful pieces back after the show ends. Annie mentioned that production sends all their designs back to them, and some contestants have even revamped their pieces to wear again. As for Annie, she's excited to see her creations again, as it's been so long since she's made them.
The Great British Sewing Bee is not just a sewing competition, but a journey of growth, friendship, and passion. The show continues to captivate audiences with its heartwarming stories and impressive sewing skills, making it a beloved staple on the BBC. So if you're a fan of the show, don't forget to tune in tonight at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer for the latest episode. Who knows, maybe you'll be inspired to pick up a needle and thread yourself.
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