Sewing Bee issues apology minutes into new BBC series as fans issue complaints

The BBC welcomed a brand new series of The Great British Sewing Bee on Tuesday evening. The show sees amateur sewers compete to impress judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young, hoping to be crowned Britain's most sensational seamster, as Sara Pascoe presents.

But just moments into the new episode, social media was hit by complaints from fans as the show's official X (Twitter) account issued an apology. Showing some clips of what was to come in the much-anticipated series, the BBC programme gave a sneak peek at a "jumpscare" moment. Sharing a snap of a creepy-looking doll, which had black buttons for eyes and a mouth that made it look like stitches through loveheart lips, the show apologised. It wrote: "Apologies for this absolute jumpscare... #SewingBee." However, it wasn't the scary toy that annoyed people - it was how much was shown in the previews.

Sharing their own thoughts on social media, one fan asked: "Is it even worth watching #SewingBee? They've shown everything in the first few minutes. The bane of any competition programme." Another user replied: "I think it's worse when they show you 'next week' and flash half the stuff almost finished."

"I agree, I try not to watch the intro and outro," another viewer echoed, adding: "Talk about spoiler alert!"

Others fumed that the show had not been advertised enough as they almost missed the launch of the new series. "Crumbs!! I've been so busy avoiding Wimbledon that I didn't even realise Sewing Bee is back!! Get me a comfy chair, a wine and the playlist ASAP! #SewingBee," one shared.

Another posted similarly, writing: "Poor work from the BBC, barely seen a single sniff of a trailer for the new series of #SewingBee. One of the most charming TV shows going and I almost stumbled across the fact that it's back on tonight!!@sewingbee."

However, not everyone had complaints with other fans sharing their absolute delight at the sewing competition making an epic return. "Nobody told me it's back tonight. What a lovely surprise & welcome back! #SewingBee," someone shared. Another added: "Oh I do love this, so pleased it's back #SewingBee."

Across 10 weeks, the sewers skills will be tested with themes from art to movies and the 1920s to Korea. The opening week's challenges were a tie-front blouse with peplum, a circle skirt transformation and a made-to-measure dress featuring pleats. While one sewer will earn garment of the week, it's the end of the road for another.