The Great British Sewing Bee has announced when it'll return to BBC One for series 12 as a Taskmaster star is set to host the new season as the main presenter. Comedian Sophie Willan, who appeared on season 17 of Taskmaster, is replacing Sara Pascoe on hosting duties after first taking over the 2025 Christmas special.
Willan is joined by judges Esme Young and Patrick Grant as they welcome this year's ten contestants to elect Britain's best home sewer.
In an Instagram post, the BBC confirmed: "The Bee is back," as they shared that the new season of The Great British Sewing Bee would air on 14 July on BBC One.
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Best known for her 2020 sitcom Alma's Not Normal, Willan, who also appeared in shows including Ludwig, Time and Open All Hours, was announced as the new presenter for the reality TV competition back in September 2025.
She took over from Pascoe, who had hosted the previous three seasons of the show. The Great British Sewing Bee was previously presented by The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman as well as comedians Joe Lycett and Kiell Smith-Bynoe.
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At the time, Cal Turner, Commissioning Editor, welcomed Willan as the new presenter in a statement ahead of the Christmas special.
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"We are delighted to welcome Sophie Willan to The Great British Sewing Bee," Turner said. "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 at Sewing Bee's production company, Love Productions, added: "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 Great British Sewing Bee airs on BBC One at 8pm on 14 July.
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Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
