BBC Great British Sewing Bee 'fairness' row erupts as fans blast 'insane' restriction: 'Unfair on contestants!'

Great British Sewing Bee

Many Great British Sewing Bee fans have argued the contestants should have 'more time'

BBC
Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 26/06/2024

- 09:23

The BBC competition sparked more online complaints from viewers

The Great British Sewing Bee attracted further criticism during Tuesday evening's show as the team attempted to impress the judges during Children's Week.

Esme Young and Patrick Grant were back to observe the group and decide who would be staying and who'd be waving goodbye to the BBC competition, but fans found the challenges "unfair".


Presenter Kiell Smith-Bynoe welcomed the remaining contestants and gave them some insight into the challenges of the latest theme.

"They say never work with children or animals, and today we're breaking one of those golden rules," he joked.

He sarcastically added: "Welcome to Kids Week on the Great British Sewing Bee!"

For Kids Week, contestants on the BBC clothes-making show were challenged to make a fancy dress costume from two towels for the transformation task.

Great British Sewing Bee

The contestants have to complete each task under a strict time limit

BBC

Psychology student Pascha impressed judges and viewers with her crocodile costume made from two green towels.

"Do you think it's crocodile or dinosaur?" Young asked to which Grant replied: "Let's go with crocodile, eh?"

"I think it looks brilliant," Young continued as her co-star agreed: "The creation of the head is miraculous and they've actually used almost all towel."

"It looks fabulous, also I think it would be quite easy for a child to wear," Young shared.

Esme Young

The latest episode saw the sewers creating clothes for children

BBC

However, each task was to be undertaken within a time limit, which fans have questioned before.

This week, they fumed that the three-hour time slot to make a complex garment was "ridiculous".

Taking to X, one penned: "The timescales this series are insane! Three hours to make a lined garment is just ridiculous.

"It's unfair on the contestants and it gives non-sewing viewers a really skewed perception of how long it really takes to make a garment properly."

Esme Young

The judges set difficult and time-pressured challenges

BBC

"I adore you. But please, JUST GIVE THEM A BIT MORE TIME. How can you judge them if no one’s finished?" another asked.

A third complained: "I just wish they had more time to do their stuff! Three hours sounds like a lot but a lot of them struggled!"

"Love this show but I do wish they had more time to complete their tasks," another agreed.

However, some seem to enjoy the pressure the time limit adds, with one writing: "I love this show! The intense pressure and they still smash out the most beautiful garments." (sic)

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