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A new series of ‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’ made its debut on Wednesday (January 8) at 9pm on More4.
More4 is a digital TV channel, run by British broadcaster Channel 4.
Melanie Sykes joins as host, alongside returning judge and master potter Keith Brymer Jones (who is head of design at housewares supplier MAKE International) and new judge: the award-winning ceramicist Sue Pryke.
Over 10 episodes, 12 home potters will step up to the wheel and strive to create their most intricate and imaginative work, before their pieces are judged by the expert judging duo and a variety of well-known faces and experts from the world of pottery.
Throughout the series, Keith, Sue and guest judges will demonstrate specialist techniques and offer advice, ultimately deciding who becomes Potter of the Week – and who must be sent home.
Melanie said: “I’m so pleased to have been asked to present ‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’. I’m a huge fan of art in all its forms and love being around creative people. It’s such a feel good, inspiring show and it’s an honour and a thrill to be working on it.”
Sue added: “I was thrilled to be asked to be a judge for ‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’. It’s such brilliant programme for championing pottery and I’m delighted to be joining the team. I love ceramics and the show has been really influential in getting people switched on and interested in pottery. It’s an exciting show to watch and I can’t wait to find out who Britain’s best home potter is going to be!”
Channel 4 head of features and formats Sarah Lazenby commented: “We all need more joyous escapism in our lives, so we’re thrilled to welcome ‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’ to the channel. Sue’s stellar ceramic skills make her the perfect judge to join pottery don Keith – and with the delightful Melanie Sykes at the helm, we hope to get the viewers’ love of pottery all fired up.”
‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’ was commissioned from Love Productions (the company behind ‘The Great British Bake Off’) by Channel 4. Richard McKerrow, ceo and executive producer of Love Productions, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing back the much-loved ‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’ with a whole new group of potters crafting a wide range of eye-catching creations. We are especially grateful to all those loyal viewers who campaigned for its return.”
Sarah Thomson Woolley, executive producer of Love Productions, added: “I’m thrilled to have Melanie Sykes join the series as the new host of ‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’. Melanie’s Northern roots, her sense of humour, laughter and warmth will be right at home on the cobbles at Middleport in Stoke: the home of pottery. And I can’t wait to see the brilliant ceramicist Sue Pryke judging alongside Keith this series.”
