‘The Great British Sewing Bee’ hasn’t been axed after all – but it has a new host!

The BBC has announced that The Great British Sewing Bee will be back, following a year of rumours that it had been cancelled.

Judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young will return for the new season, but presenter Claudia Winkleman will be replaced by British comedian Joe Lycett.

The Great British Sewing Bee first aired in April 2013 and a fourth season was shown in the summer of 2016.

There had been doubts about the show’s future after The Great British Bake Off, which is made by the same production team, moved Channel 4.

BBC Two Controller Patrick Holland commented: “I am delighted that Sewing Bee will be returning with Joe Lycett. The series is brilliant TV filled with great craft, passionate creators and a big dash of mischief. Whilst sad that Claudia wasn’t able to do the series, I’d like to thank her for being such a fantastic host and welcome the hugely talented Joe. It promises to be a lot of fun.”

Over eight weeks amateur sewers will be put to the test and take on challenges as they compete to be named Britain’s best home sewer.

New host Joe Lycett said: “My mum loves this show and she’s bursting at the seams she’s sew excited! Weave talked about it and she says I’m tailor made and I’ll have the contestants in stitches.”

Claudia Winkleman added: “I’m so sad I can’t be part of Sewing this year but know Joe will adore it. I wish the whole fantastic team so much luck.”

The fifth season of The Great British Sewing Bee will air on BBC Two in 2019.

Applications to appear as a contestant close on Monday 28 May and you can apply here!