THE Great British Sewing Bee has crowned a new winner.
Tonight’s grand finale saw Asmaa, Mia and Tony R go head-to-head once more.
But only one could be crowned the winner by Sewing Bee judges Esme Young and Patrick Grant.
Asmaa was revealed as the winner after a closely fought contest.
Asmaa made it through ten weeks of tough sewing challenges and became Britain’s Best Amateur Sewer of 2023.
Throughout the series 12 talented home sewers [Asmaa, Catherine, Fauve, Gillie, Lauren, Lizzie, Maria, Matthew, Mia, Tony R, Tony W and Vicki] created beautiful garments under the scrutiny of judges Esme Young and Patrick Grant, but it was Asmaa who won the coveted title.
She also won Garment of the Week in Episodes 7, 8 and 9.
Asmaa is 46 and a consultant breast surgeon from Cardiff.
She was born in Iraq, which is where she gained her love of sewing, having spent time watching and learning from her grandmother.
Asmaa is married and has two children and enjoys going to the theatre or rock concerts with her teenage daughter.
Following her victory, Asmaa said: “Thank you. I can’t really put into words how I am feeling. This is not real, this can’t be me, it feels amazing.
“Amongst everything I have done in the last 45 years of my life – this has to top it all – not the medical degree, not anything else, this is it!
“My grandmother was a seamstress who taught my mother, who then taught me. I think this confirms it is in the blood.
“The only thing that has really kept me going and kept me balanced in life and especially in the last few years has been sewing – it’s my escape and my way to forget about all the troubles in the world and at work – and I don’t think I will ever ever stop.”
The Great British Sewing Bee is available on BBC iPlayer.
