Sophie Willan, the Bolton comedian and actress, has taken over as the new host of the BBC's Great British Sewing Bee. The programme returned to screens last week, with Willan succeeding Sara Pascoe in the role. She was unveiled as the new host in September 2025.
Rise to Fame with Alma's Not Normal
Willan rose to fame through her critically acclaimed BBC sitcom Alma's Not Normal. The semi-autobiographical comedy-drama is rooted in her working-class upbringing in Bolton and her experiences within the care system. The show tackles subjects including mental health, addiction, and sexuality, weaving humour with heartfelt emotion. It first aired on BBC Two in 2020, with Willan both writing and starring. The second series launched in October 2024.
Her work on the programme has earned her several BAFTAs, including Best Female Comedy Performance, Best Writer: Comedy, and Best Scripted Comedy.
Other TV Appearances
Willan has also appeared in BBC's Ludwig, Time, and Still Open All Hours, while showcasing her comedy talent on programmes including Taskmaster and Never Mind the Buzzcocks.
Personal Life
Willan prefers to keep her personal life away from the spotlight. Her partner is Carniel Francis Levy, a chef celebrated for modern Caribbean cuisine. He made his first appearance on her social media in March 2025. She later announced they were expecting their first child, revealing their lives were "about to change forever, in the most chaotic, joyful and magical way". Their son, Elijah, arrived on 30 November 2025. The couple shared the news on social media with hospital photographs showing Willan cradling the newborn while Levy stood by her side.
The Great British Sewing Bee is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
