Ready to swap your knitting needles for some reality-TV? The brilliant, multi-talented gold medallist and knitting fanatic Tom Daley is diving into a brand-new competition series with yarn, wool and plenty of stitches.
Knitting has been having a real glow-up lately – especially since lockdown, when thousands of young people picked up the needle! From TikTok tutorials to handmade sweaters taking over Instagram, knitting has become a full-blown trend (and we’re sooo here for it)!
And honestly, what better face to lead this great knitting resurgence than Tom Daley himself? Get ready to binge-watch something cosy, crafty and absolutely full of fun – welcome to The Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter, Channel 4’s competition show that’s here to prove craft TV is officially cool again!
What is Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter?
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if The Great British Sewing Bee and Bake Off had a wonderfully woolly baby – this is ittttt!
The Game of Wool is an eight-part competition series where ten talented knitters (and a few crocheters) go head-to-head in weekly challenges to be crowned Britain’s Best Knitter. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Scottish countryside in a remote barn dubbed The Yarn Barn, each episode brings high-stakes, wool-filled tasks designed to test creativity, craftsmanship and nerves of steel.
There’s going to be two types of challenges in each episode, one individual challenge testing creativity, technique and speed, and then a team challenge where contestants collaborate to create knitting masterpieces!
At the end of each episode, knitting designers Di Gilpin and Sheila Greenwell will judge the contestants’ work – with one winning Best Knit and another heading home. (Psssssst, we also hear fashion items will be modelled by some very recognisable faces!)
Who’s in it?
- Tom Daley – Olympic gold-medallist turned knitting enthusiast. Tom learnt to knit on YouTube during lockdown and has been unstoppable ever since. “Knitting should be for everyone,” he says. “It’s not just your stereotypical grandma hobby.”
- Di Gilpin – A world-renowned knitting and textile designer known for her innovative techniques and bold colour choices. (She’s also lovingly called the Queen of Couture by those who know her work best.)
- Sheila Greenwell – A master of technique, assessing craftsmanship, finish and flair with a keen eye for detail.
- The Contestants – Ten ambitious makers from across the UK, each ready to cast-on, craft and compete for the title of Britain’s Best Knitter. Expect newly graduated knitters, lifelong crafters and some seriously inspiring stories.
Fun facts about A Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter
Here at Freely, we had the absolute delight of attending a cosy afternoon tea with Tom and the crew – plus a sneaky peek at the first episode! And trust us, we left with warm hearts and major knit-envy.
The idea of having this show on national TV is to get a new generation knitting. It’s a group activity, you sit on sofas, chatting, knitting together. It’s such a lovely communal thing
-Tom Daley
Our biggest takeaway? How much Tom genuinely loved the idea of the show – he couldn’t believe it when he was asked to host. “I’m the presenter, but also the biggest fan in the room,” he laughed.
Here are some of our favourite behind-the-scenes facts:
- It was filmed in the scenic Scottish countryside by Hello Halo Productions.
- The Yarn barn was absolutely Baltic during filming and heaters were wheeled in between shots to stop the contestants freezing mid-stitch
- Recently graduated knitters designed some of Tom’s stunning on-screen looks, while the very first outfit he wears in episode one was created by judges Di and Sheila.
- Expect incredibly sculptured, revealing pieces, and yes, Tom recruited a few friends for surprise appearances.
- There’s even a whole week dedicated to crochet coming up later in the series!
- Tom’s first-ever project? A purple scarf he knitted for his mum in 2020.
- When he has the time, it takes Tom just two days to knit a full jumper!
- When asked for advice for beginner knitters Tom said “Just start. Go on YouTube, find tutorials, and you’ll pick it up. Once you get it and understand it – you’re off to the races!”
Where can I watch The Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter?
Tune into Channel 4 at 8pm on Sunday 2nd November!
With Tom Daley at the helm, The Game of Wool isn’t just about crafting, it’s about creativity, community and confidence. From purple scarves to high-fashion jumpers, Tom’s journey embodies what this show is all about: making something beautiful with your own two hands.
So grab your needles, settle in on the sofa, and join Britain’s cosiest competition. Because, as Tom says… “Let the Game of Wool commence!
If you've enjoyed our recommendations why not read allll about some of the other amazing shows Channel 4 has to offer!
