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Strictly's Johannes Radebe crowned winner of The Great British Sewing Bee: Celebrity Christmas Special

Johannes showcased his hidden sewing talents.

rosie ramsey, johannes radebe, penny lancaster, natalie cassidy, the great british sewing bee, celebrity christmas special
James StackBBC

Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe has been crowned the winner of this year's The Great British Sewing Bee: Celebrity Christmas Special.

Johannes showcased his sewing skills and beat his fellow Christmas special contestantsEastEnders star Natalie Cassidy, podcaster Rosie Ramsey, and TV personality Penny Lancaster — to earn the crown.

Over the course of the special, the group completed a range of Christmas-inspired tasks, starting with producing an apron for the pattern challenge, which saw Johannes come out on top. His tartan apron won over judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young, who agreed that Johannes' mum would be proud to receive it as a gift.

"You talked about your mum wearing this on Christmas," Patrick said. "Any mum would be delighted to wear this. I think it's absolutely smashing."

patrick grant, esme young, johannes radebe, the great british sewing bee celebrity christmas special
BBC

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For the next task, the four contestants crafted a Christmas outfit for baby Olive that reflected a favourite object of theirs. Johannes created a candy-cane-inspired outfit, but Rosie's Christmas present outfit won first place for the challenge.

In the final task, the made-to-measure challenge, the group made New Year's Eve costumes inspired by their favourite pop stars.

Pro dancer Johannes chose to dedicate his outfit to musician-slash-actor Harry Styles, whose films Don't Worry Darling and My Policeman were released in cinemas earlier this year. Meanwhile, Penny paid homage to Madonna, Natalie made a Liam Gallagher parka, and Rosie created a Dolly-Parton-style fringe dress.

"I think it has a real Harry Styles stage presence," Patrick said of Johannes' shiny bodysuit creation.

johannes radebe, the great british sewing bee celebrity christmas special 2022
BBC

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Though all four amateur sewers impressed the judges with their work, Johannes' Harry Styles costume secured him the big win. Fittingly, he celebrated by dancing with the trophy.

"My aunt is sitting up in heaven now smiling down on me, because she was the seamstress in the family. To see this I’m sure she would have been squealing," he said.

"I know that my mum will be watching this very proud of me because she also contributed to my skills of a needle and cotton."

The Great British Sewing Bee: Celebrity Christmas Special is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.


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