‘The Great British Sewing Bee’ is set to return to screens without Claudia Winkleman as host.
The BBC Two sewing competition – which was a spin-off format of ‘The Great British Bake Off’ – aired from 2013 to 2016, but was taken off screens when it became a casualty of the fallout between makers Love Productions and the BBC.
According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, it had previously been reported that the show would "never be seen again" on the BBC, however it has now been claimed that a new deal has been struck for a fifth series of the show.
But the programme won’t be the same if it does return, as the publication claims that 46-year-old television presenter Claudia – who presented every episode of the show – won’t be returning to host the new series.
Instead, sources claim the show will be fronted by comedian Joe Lycett, who recently took part in the celebrity special of ‘The Great British Bake Off’ on Channel 4, in aid of Stand Up to Cancer.
‘The Great British Sewing Bee’ was taken off air in 2016 after Love Productions – who make the show and ‘Bake Off’ – fell out with the BBC and moved their biggest show over to rival broadcaster Channel 4.
With the move, ‘Bake Off’ lost hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, as well as judge Mary Berry, with only second judge Paul Hollywood deciding to stick with the show.
Mary was replaced by Prue Leith when the show aired on Channel 4 a year later, and the programme is now hosted by Noel Fielding and Sandy Toksvig.
For Claudia, the lost job isn’t likely to put a dent in her work schedule, as she already has her hands full presenting ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, as well as brand new BBC cookery show ‘Britain’s Best Cook’ – which features Mary Berry – and her BBC 2 radio show.
Claudia Winkleman not returning to Great British Sewing Bee
