Sewing Bee fans said the special had been ‘diminshed by celebrity culture’ (Picture: BBC/Love Productions/Neil Sherwood)
The Great British Sewing Bee fans have slammed its ‘nonsense’ Christmas special for having a celebrity line-up.
Last night, Ian ‘H’ Watkins, EastEnder Kellie Bright, comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri and Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby competed on the BBC show.
However, on X viewers complained the episode was ‘excruciating’ and said they would prefer to have former contestants rather than celebrities participate.
@JulesItsjules fumed: ‘The joy of@sewingbee has always been the people. No matter their backgrounds or journey with sewing they are always lovely supportive gentle people. The celebrity edition? Not so much. What were you thinking? #SewingBee#dobetter.’
Echoing their sentiment, @janetcourt28 said: ‘Next year they should get previous winners back instead of having a repeat of this nonsense #SewingBee.’
@Shell81268003 raged: ‘#SewingBee Shame to see this great programme diminished by celebrity culture. Next year just invite the years contestants to come back for Xmas special !’
Viewers on X said they did not want another celebrity special again (Picture: BBC/Love Productions/Neil Sherwood)
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@gillianwalley added: ‘#SewingBee I love the sewing bee but this episode is absolutely excruciating. This lot are ruining it !!! Please don’t bother with a celeb edition next year.’
In the celebrity special, the stars put their twist on a pattern for an advent calendar and then turn onesies into a fun Christmas costume for a child in the transformation challenge.
Finally, they create an outfit made to measure their models, inspired by their favourite Christmas number one. Kellie, 48, was crowned Sewing Bee champion.
Despite viewer complaints, the Sewing Bee Christmas celebrity special has aired since 2020. That year, the winner was Denise Van Outen, while Antony Cotton was triumphant in 2021.
They claimed the celebrities ‘ruined’ the magic of the show (Picture: BBC/Love Productions/Neil Sherwood)
Other stars who have competed on the speicla include Strictly’s Johannes Radebe, Penny Lancaster, Toyah Willcox and Jessica Knappett.
The Great British Sewing Bee began airing on the BBC in 2013 and was presented by Traitors star Claudia Winkleman.
In 2019, and after a three year hiatus, the show returned with Joe Lycett as host.
The comedian then handed over the mantle to Sara Pascoe before she departed with Kiell Smith-Bynoe the current presenter.
The Great Christmas Sewing Bee is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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