THE Great British Sewing Bee host Sara Pascoe is leaving the show.
She is being replaced after three series – just a year on from taking maternity leave.
Sara Pascoe is leaving the BBC reality show
Sophie Willan will take over as host of Great British Sewing Bee in 2026
Bafta-winning actress Sophie Willan, best known for starring in Alma’s Not Normal, will replace Sara next year.
Patrick Grant and Esme Young will continue on as judges.
A BBC spokesman praised Sophie’s “wit and warmth” and said of departing star Sara: “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.”
Cal Turner, 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.”
Tom Davies, Executive Producer Love Productions said: “We are so excited to have Sophie join the Sewing Bee team and we cannot wait to see what she brings to the Sewing Room.”
The show first launched in 2013 as a spin-off to .
It was hosted by star for four series.
Other hosts have included comic and ‘s Kiell Smith‑Bynoe.
Amateur sewing enthusiasts undertake three core challenges while competing on the show – designed to test precision, creativity, and design skills.
The winner receives a golden mannequin trophy and the title of Britain’s best amateur sewer, but no cash prize.
In the same week we revealed 37-year-old Sophie is taking on hosting duties for Sewing Bee, it was announced she’s joining regulars Alan Carr, , and on the judging panel for Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
Sara with judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young 
