Kilns are firing up, clay is being wedged, and a new batch of hopeful potters are centering their aspirations on the coveted title of Britain’s best home potter, as “The Great Pottery Throw Down” returns for its eighth season. Channel 4 viewers can expect the familiar comforting presence of host Siobhán McSweeney, while judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller will once again offer their expertise (and Jones’ signature watery-eyed pronouncements of approval).
This season’s dozen contestants represent a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, promising a compelling mix of personalities and pottery prowess. From the outset, two individuals stand out. Chris, a military veteran who overcame a life-altering injury sustained from an IED explosion, brings his Invictus Games spirit to the wheel. Meanwhile, Imy, a model and deaf advocate, embraces pottery as a form of therapy following her recent cochlear implant surgery. Her presence is set to raise awareness and shatter preconceptions.
Beyond these inspiring stories, the lineup includes a vibrant array of characters: Stephen, an audio-visual technician and world-record-holding Smurf collector; Olivia, a Liverpool art teacher moonlighting as a drummer in her father’s punk rock band; Steve, an animator with a penchant for homebrewing and fishing; Victor, a Hong Kong-born digital product designer finding solace in clay; Diana, a retired art teacher; Hayley, a social worker who turns to pottery for respite; Francesca, a make-up artist who reignited her passion for pottery in India; Jonathan, a holiday let owner and Royal Navy veteran who triumphed over a paralyzing cycling accident; James, a project manager and former cake maker; and Natalie, a former Moulin Rouge showgirl. This eclectic mix ensures the usual blend of quirky charm and genuine artistry that has become a hallmark of the series.
The contestants’ first challenge? Crafting a salad set and sangria jugs – a task that will immediately test their technical skills and creative vision.
“The Great Pottery Throw Down” airs Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 7:45 PM on Channel 4.
