The Great British Sewing Bee New Year’s Eve Special – Everything You Need To Know!

The Great British Sewing Bee New Year Special

The Great British Sewing Bee is coming back to our screens with not one but two celebrity specials! Legendary judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young return with host Joe Lycett as they welcome a group of eager celebrities who will take on a series of sewing challenges. Read on to find out what festive fun we can expect from the sewing room! 

Following the Christmas special on Boxing Day, a new set of contestants will join host Joe and judges, Patrick and Esme for a New Year’s Eve special.

When will the The Great British Sewing Bee Specials be on TV?

There will be two shows – the first will air on Boxing Day at 7.45pm on BBC One and the second episode will air on New Year’s Eve at 8pm on BBC One.

In episode two, The Vivienne who is best known for being the UK’s first RuPaul’s Drag Race Superstar enters the sewing room along with actress and broadcaster, Lesley Joseph. They’ll be joined by presenter, Sabrina Grant who is best known for Channel 4’s award-winning documentary series Supershoppers and actress, television presenter and comedian, Sally Philips.

Who will master the sewing machine and impress the judges?! Read on to find out what awaits the celebrities in the New Year’s Eve special.

What will the contestants be sewing?

In a bid to impress the judges the contestants must complete three sewing challenges. The pattern challenge will see them create a child’s party skirt before taking on a seasonal transformation challenge – a recognisable outfit for a pantomime character. Finally, they’ll have to make a party dress that evokes memories of a particular New Year’s Eve – one not to be missed!

Need some inspo for your own New Year’s Eve attire? Check out our New Year’s Pattern Edit here.

How were the celebrities’ sewing skills?

Host Joe says: “In both the episodes the quality of the sewing did surprise me, they got a lot more done than I imagined. I thought they might be making unwearable disaster garments, but they pulled it off.”

Judge Esme said: “[Like] Christmas they were a mixed bag of sewers and I think they really enjoyed their experience. They threw themselves into each challenge and really went for it, they are amazing and were fairly competitive which surprised me.” says Esme

In the spirit of Christmas, the judges offered the celebrities sewing advice when needed. “They genuinely really worked hard to finish the challenges, and some items were really spectacular.” says Patrick.

“One or two had a little bit of help from me or Esme if they got stuck, we broke the normal rule about not giving advice or stepping in.”

To close the show, The Vivienne performs a special song in which Joe, Patrick and Esme make a surprise appearance.

Don’t miss The Great British Sewing Bee New Year Special at 8pm on New Year’s Eve (Thursday 31st December) on BBC One. 

Want to find out more about The Great British Showing Bee? Click here to learn more about the show’s previous contestants.