The Great British Sewing Bee

BBC1, 8pm

It’s farewell to Sewing Bee institution

Joe Lycett, and in his place comes fellow comedy star Sara Pascoe (right, centre) as presenter. Otherwise the cosy formula remains largely unchanged as series eight begins, with jolly judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young (both right) providing advice and expertise.

A dozen contestants line up as the ten-part series begins, and in this opener they are set three tasks before one has a taste of glory by winning garment of the week and another must go home.

With the sewing room a historic mill in the Leeds area, they have a rich trove of Yorkshire wool to use for a mini-skirt. Then, in the transformation challenge, they have to turn a loungewear item into a top for a night on the town. The final test is a wrap dress made to fit their own model precisely. ★★★★★