Sophie’s warmth, humour and unmistakably Bolton personality have made her one of the most popular faces on British television, and a huge hit with viewers on the BBC programme.

Tonight, one of the contestants will walk away with the trophy, and to find out, judges Esme Young and Patrick Grant are setting them three challenges.

First, they have to follow an unexpectedly tricky pattern for a bow tie and cummerbund, before turning tableware into chic beach club fashion. Finally, they must create made-to-measure outfits on a theme

As Sewing Bee finishes, Sophie, the creator and star of Alma’s Not Normal, will be back on screens as Small Prophets returns, one of the most magical programmes on TV, which is loved by millions.

Sophie grew up in Bolton and turned her life experiences into award-winning television, winning fans with her hit BBC comedy Alma’s Not Normal.

The series, which is set in Bolton and inspired by aspects of her own life, follows Alma Nuthall as she navigates family life, relationships and the challenges of growing up in a working-class town.

(Image: PA)

Sophie has spoken publicly about her experiences in and around the care system, which later became a major influence on her comedy and writing. She was the inaugural recipient of the BBC’s Caroline Aherne Bursary Award in 2018 and went on to write, star in and executive produce Alma’s Not Normal.

Sophie Willan shares love for Bolton during filming

Filming on the first full series of Alma’s Not Normal began in Bolton in 2021. The BBC described the show as a “bitingly funny and unflinching take on class, sexuality, mental health and substance abuse”, with Willan drawing on her own experiences to create the programme.

The comedy has been a huge success, winning multiple BAFTAs and establishing Sophie as one of the country’s leading comedy talents. Alongside Alma’s Not Normal, she has appeared in programmes including Time, Ludwig, Still Open All Hours and Taskmaster.

Despite her national success, Sophie has remained closely connected to her hometown, in which she still lives.

In 2022 she became a patron of Bolton charity Backup North West, which supported her when she was younger and helped inspire elements of Alma’s Not Normal.

(Image: Newsquest)

This year she replaced Sara Pascoe in the Great British Sewing Bee.

The programme’s commissioning editor, Cal Turner, said the BBC was “delighted” to welcome Sophie and praised her “boundless enthusiasm and energy”, adding that she would bring her own “unique spark” to the sewing room. Executive producer Tom Davies said the team was excited to see what she would bring to the show.

Sophie is a huge local success story who continues to shine a national spotlight on her hometown.