The Great British Sewing Bee

BBC1, 9pm

Long gone are the days when we thought of this show as a pale imitation of The Great British Bake Off. Now on its seventh series, the sewing competition is firmly established as a favourite fixture of the schedules, and there are now many viewers who in reality would struggle to darn their socks but have still become increasingly obsessed with the show.

As the ten-part run begins, a dozen hopefuls line up to see if they can pass muster and survive the high standards of the judges, debonair tailor Patrick Grant and acclaimed designer Esme Young.

Comedian Joe Lycett (right) is also back to provide camp quips and emotional support, as the opening week begins with the challenge of a sleeveless blouse, followed by giving an old T-shirt a makeover and, finally, creating a new variation on the classic buffet dress.