The Great British Sewing Bee

In week 8, and the five remaining sewers must channel their inner bookworm in a series of challenges celebrating literary icons.

For the Pattern Challenge, the judges ask the sewers to create literature's most iconic piece of headwear, the deerstalker worn by Arthur Conan Doyle's character Sherlock Holmes. It's a challenge that at this stage of the competition is far from elementary.

In the Transformation Challenge, they must imagine what the iconic children's character Matilda would be like as a grown-up and create an outfit for her from second-hand school uniform.

Finally, in the Made to Measure, everyone must travel back to the turn of the 19th century and the Regency period by creating outfits inspired by the works of Jane Austen.

It's the semi-final, and judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young set three challenges celebrating wardrobe heroes. These are items found in every wardrobe. However little or often they are worn, these clothes are must-haves and essentials.

First, in the Pattern Challenge, the sewers must put their spin on the classic leather jacket, only this time, the judges have asked them to use plant-based leather.

Next, for the Transformation Challenge, the sewers take men's shirts and transform them into outfits for a wedding.

Finally, in the Made-to-Measure, it's the timeless little black dress that is the inspiration

Four sewers remain, but only three will make it to the final.

It's the grand finale, and the three finalists are ready to compete for the coveted title of Britain's best amateur sewer.

The judges, Patrick Grant and Esme Young, set three challenges inspired to test their skills for one final time.

First up, the sewers get gala ready with a cummerbund and bow tie.

Next, it's time for the transformation challenge, where the sewers take gala tableware and turn it into an outfit for the perfect day-after hangout, the beach club.

Finally, inspired by the Met Gala in New York, the sewers must create outfits on the theme of metamorphosis as if they had an invite to the Sewing Bee gala.

Three finalists, three challenges, but only one winner will be crowned the twelfth champion of The Great British Sewing Bee.