With autumn upon us, we’ve been eagerly awaiting a craft show to grace our TV screens, and The Great Celebrity Pottery Throw Down is here to deliver the entertainment!
In a first for this beloved series, the lineup features all celebrities, with six contestants competing in weekly challenges set by the judges. Among the diverse cast are a comedian, a TV presenter, and a footballer. Unlike the usual elimination format, contestants will be ranked on a leaderboard as they vie for the title of ultimate pottery champion.
Premiering on Sunday, September 13, with special host Liza Tarbuck, let’s meet the stars ready to showcase their clay skills this season.
Layton Williams
At 31, Layton is renowned for his singing, acting, and dancing, making his West End debut at just 12 in Billy Elliot. A runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing 2023, he sees this show as a chance to explore his creative side.
“I thought: ‘Why not put my hands on something new?’” he expressed. His favorite challenge involved Raku animals, where he created a swan as a nod to his time in Billy Elliot.
Fatiha El-Ghorri
Stand-up comedian Fatiha is trading her mic for clay in this series. Known for appearances on The Jonathan Ross Show and The Russell Howard Hour, she has a history with pottery that dates back to her school days.
“I loved the fact you can create something so beautiful and personal from this lump of clay,” she said, finding the process both challenging and therapeutic.
Denise van Outen
Denise first gained fame in the ’90s as the host of The Big Breakfast. Now, at 52, she views pottery as a fun new challenge, enjoying the lack of stress associated with elimination. “It was exhausting but brilliant,” she noted, relishing the chance to learn and grow.
Paul Merson
Footballer Paul Merson is stepping far out of his comfort zone, having no previous experience in the arts. Yet, he found joy in the process, stating, “It was surprisingly enjoyable.” Pottery provided him a chance to live in the moment.
Lucy Beaumont
Known for her comedy, Lucy joined the series to embrace a new hobby. Although she humorously describes her creations as “apocalyptic,” she treasures the experience of learning something new.
Richard Herring
Renowned comedian Richard Herring is known for his appearances on Taskmaster and his award-winning podcast. His motivation for joining the show stemmed from a desire for the unique challenge and energy of the program, stating how fun it is, even amid the critiques.
The Great Celebrity Pottery Throw Down airs on Sunday, September 13, at 7:45 PM on Channel 4. Tune in to see how these celebrities fare in the pottery studio!
