Sussex contestants revealed in BBC's Sewing Bee line up

The county's talent will be showcased when the Great British Sewing Bee returns to our screens next week.
Patrick Grant. Picture: DebenhamsPatrick Grant. Picture: Debenhams
Patrick Grant. Picture: Debenhams

Ten contestants were revealed on the programme’s social media today, May 10, naming ‘Joyce’ and ‘Jade’ from Sussex.

Joyce, 71, is from West Sussex and is a retired schools admissions officer.

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Her profile states: “Joyce learnt to sew from her mother and has been sewing for over 50 years. She is a perfectionist and likes to do things her way. Joyce has made clothing for everyone in the family. She is most proud of sewing her daughter’s wedding dress.”

Joyce credit: BBC/Love Productions/Charlotte MedlicottJoyce credit: BBC/Love Productions/Charlotte Medlicott
Joyce credit: BBC/Love Productions/Charlotte Medlicott

It also calls her ‘a bit of a party animal’ and reveals she ‘has been known to dance on the table at family gatherings’.

Joyce met her husband Hugh at a gliding club 50 years ago and together they have five children (three children and two step children) and nine grandchildren.

Meanwhile at only 18 years old Jade is the youngest ever person to take part on the show.

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She’s a students and swimming instructor who turned to craft after an injury meant she could now longer compete.

Jade credit: BBC/Love Productions/Charlotte MedlicottJade credit: BBC/Love Productions/Charlotte Medlicott
Jade credit: BBC/Love Productions/Charlotte Medlicott

Jade’s profile explains: “Jade lives at home in Sussex with her parents, three younger siblings and two English bulldogs. She sews for them all; shirts for her dad, dresses for her sister and tutus for the dogs.”

The family support has seen them build a log cabin in the garden for her to work in, where she now spends most of her time.

Airing on May 16, at 9pm, the series will pitch contestants against eachother in a range of sewing challenges starting with constructing a women’s top.

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Patrick Grant (pictured above) returns as judge for this fourth outing and will be joined by Esme Young, a teacher, co-founder of fashion label Swanky Modes and costume designer whose work includes Trainspotting and the forthcoming Bridget Jones’s Baby.

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