BBC star claims she was axed from popular show after maternity leave to be ‘replaced with younger woman’
Sara Pascoe has alleged that the BBC removed her as host of The Great British Sewing Bee following her maternity leave, claiming she was swapped out for “a younger woman.”
The 45-year-old comedian made the revelation during an appearance on The Harry Hill Show podcast, insisting that her departure from the popular programme was not voluntary.
Although it was publicly stated at the time that Ms Pascoe had chosen to step down, she has now contradicted that account, branding the decision by her former employers as “harsh.”
Actress Sophie Willan, who is 38, took over presenting duties in her place.
Sara Pascoe has claimed her departure from The Great British Sewing Bee was not her decision
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BBC
Ms Pascoe had taken a year away from the sewing competition after welcoming her second child.
Upon her return, she presented one further series last summer before being replaced at the helm.
At the point of her exit, it was announced publicly that the comedian was stepping down from the role.
Ms Willan has since completed her debut series as presenter, with the most recent run of the programme having recently finished airing on the BBC.
The comedian said she was ‘replaced with a younger woman’ on the popular programme
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YOUTUBE/THE HARRY HILL SHOW
During the podcast exchange, Mr Hill asked Ms Pascoe whether she still presented the programme.
“No. They replaced me with a younger woman. Showbusiness is harsh,” she responded.
Assuming she was being humorous, Mr Hill pressed: “You gave it up, right?”
Ms Pascoe insisted: “No, I didn’t, absolutely not.”
Sophie Willan replaced Sara Pascoe as host of the BBC competition
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BBC
She continued: ” I’m very lucky for the work I’ve had, I’m very gracious, I have bought a house, I send love and light to everyone.”
The comedian also quipped that she planned to enter the competition as a contestant and “work her way back up” to the presenting role.
When Ms Pascoe departed, a BBC spokesperson praised her contribution, stating: “Sara has been a brilliant, witty and much-loved presence in the sewing room.
“Both the BBC and the Bee team thank her for three wonderful series.”
Ms Willan has since completed her first series at the helm of the BBC competition
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BBC
The Great British Sewing Bee originally launched in 2013 as a companion format to The Great British Bake Off.
Over the years, it has been fronted by several presenters, among them Claudia Winkleman and Joe Lycett.
The BBC star branded showbusiness ‘harsh’ as she discussed being replaced on the programme
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GETTY
Contestants on the programme face three challenges testing their precision, creativity and design abilities, competing for a golden mannequin trophy rather than a monetary prize.
GB News approached the BBC for comment, but the corporation declined to comment.
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