The Great British Sewing Bee 2015: Meet the contestants

Paul sews out of frustration at the monotony of men’s clothing, and feels men aren’t well represented in the sewing world. Apart from his everyday wear, Paul also likes to make more theatrical clothes with costumes for historical re-enactments and dresses for his female impersonator friend.

Paul learnt to sew by watching his mother as a child, and finally got his own sewing machine at the age of 20. He describes his style as colourful and bright, and likes to reflect this in the clothes he creates. With 30 years of sewing experience, he already has plenty of difficult menswear projects under his belt.

Age: 41

Marketing Manager from Surrey

“I sew on my own. But when my girls see me sewing, they get inspired and start making things alongside me, which is great.”

Neela was taught to sew by her mother on an old Singer machine when she was just eight. She started collecting patterns when she was young and now has an extensive back catalogue, which she uses for her designs.

Neela enjoys upcycling old saris to make dresses for her two daughters. And she is keen to pass on her love of sewing to the next generation too. She now has three sewing machines in her house, and is looking forward to creating a space at home dedicated solely to sewing.

Neil, 46

Lieutenant Colonel in the Army from Salisbury

“I have some bad habits; I’m always biting and pulling cotton rather than using scissors. I’m also lazy with pinning patterns – I start by pinning then I end up just cutting. I think part of my problem is I’ve never had a decent machine!”

Neil started sewing at school out of protest because the girls were allowed to join the football team. He was mocked by his troops for taking his sewing machine on tour to Bosnia and Afghanistan, until they realised how useful it was for their own uniform repairs and making curtains for their accommodation.

Neil picked up sewing from his mum and sisters, so is no stranger to womenswear. He has made three wedding dresses, the bridesmaids dresses for his own wedding and bespoke occasion wear for his wife – including her going away outfit.

The Great British Sewing Bee starts tonight at 8:00pm on BBC2