Comedian Joe Lycett has become a consumer champion with his series Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back on Channel 4. But is he also coming for Kirstie Allsopp’s title of TV’s crafter in chief?

Well, he is presenting The Great British Sewing Bee for the second time (he took over from Claudia Winkleman last year), but it seems we shouldn’t expect him to be whipping up a nice outfit of his own anytime soon.

He told What’s On TV: “My sewing skills are terrible! I had a few masterclasses this series but I learned nothing. I enjoy watching from afar and not getting involved – it’s so complicated, isn’t it?”

But then, you really don’t have to be an expert seamstress yourself to fall for the gentle charms of the Sewing Bee.

When the show began in 2013 as a spin-off from The Great British Bake Off, some people may have wondered whether it would prove to be a bit too niche. However, even viewers who had never sat at a sewing machine in their lives found themselves hooked, and the show is now on its sixth series.

And while it may possibly owe its sudden promotion from BBC2 to BBC1 to the current crisis, Lycett’s skills as a host are no doubt playing a part in its growing popularity.

He’s even got the seal of approval from one of the show’s biggest fans – his mum.

The comedian told What’s On TV: “The verdict from Helen is very positive! She was thrilled with it last year and has been on quite a few visits to the set. When I began presenting it, Mum was concerned I was going to turn it into a smut-fest with lots of euphemisms – but I’d say [judge Patrick Grant] is worse than me for euphemisms! My dad, David, is now a fan of the show as well. He loves coming onto the set and has loads of opinions about the outfits!”

The rest of Britain’s armchair sewing critics will have a chance to weigh in this week. The remaining nine needleworkers have already tackled everything from tea dresses to Hawaiian shirts and food-themed fancy dress, but in coming weeks they are getting to grips with sportswear, which needs to be practical as well as stylish.

Judges Patrick and Esme Young start them off with a rugby-shirt pattern challenge, which requires them to work with a difficult combination of stretch fabrics and a tricky placket. Then it’s time for the transformation challenge as the stitchers are faced with cagoules they must turn into miniature waterproof onesies for toddlers - and they thought children’s clothes were last week.

Finally, it’s the made-to-measure test as they make tennis outfits for a live model. The finished articles must be perfectly fitted, while still allowing for freedom of movement. But who will win a grand slam and claim garment of the week, and who will be sent packing to comfort eat their strawberries and cream at home?

n The Great British Sewing Bee, BBC1, Thursdays.