Channel 4 commissions The Great Pottery Throw Down

13 September 2019

Channel 4 has commissioned a new series of The Great Pottery Throw Down from Love Productions.  Melanie Sykes joins as host, alongside returning judge and master potter Keith Brymer Jones and new judge and award-winning ceramicist Sue Pryke.

The 10 x 60’ series follows 12 passionate, home potters as they strive to create their most intricate and imaginative work, before their pieces are judged by the expert judging duo and a variety of well-known faces and experts from the world of pottery.

Throughout the series, Keith, Sue and guest judges will demonstrate specialist techniques and offer advice, ultimately deciding which potter becomes Potter of the Week - and which potter must be sent home.

Melanie Sykes says: “I am so pleased to have been asked to present The Great Pottery Throw Down. I am a huge fan of art in all its forms and love being around creative people. It’s such a feel good, inspiring show and it is an honour and a thrill to be working on it.”

Sue Pryke adds: "I was thrilled to be asked to be a judge for The Great Pottery Throw Down.  Its such brilliant programme for championing pottery and I’m delighted to be joining the team.  I love ceramics and the show has been really influential in getting people switched on and interested in pottery. It’s an exciting show to watch and I can’t wait to find out who Britain’s best home potter is going to be!”

Sarah Lazenby, Head of Features and Formats, Channel 4 said: “We all need more joyous escapism in our lives, so we’re thrilled to welcome The Great Pottery Throw Down to the channel. Sue’s stellar ceramic skills make her the perfect judge to join pottery don Keith and with the delightful Melanie Sykes at the helm we hope to get the viewer’s love of pottery all fired up.”

Richard McKerrow, CEO and Executive Producer, Love Productions says: "We're delighted to be bringing back the much-loved The Great Pottery Throw Down with a whole new group of potters crafting a wide range of eye-catching creations. We are especially grateful to all those loyal viewers who campaigned for its return.”

Sarah Thomson Woolley, Executive Producer, Love Productions says: “I’m thrilled to have Melanie Sykes join the series as the new host of The Great Pottery Throw Down. Melanie’s Northern roots, her sense of humour, laughter and warmth will be right at home on the cobbles at Middleport in Stoke, the home of pottery. And I can’t wait to see the brilliant ceramicist Sue Pryke judging alongside Keith this series.”

The Great Pottery Throw Down was commissioned from Love Productions by Channel 4 Features and Formats Commissioning Editor Christian Keyhoe. Executive Producers are Richard McKerrow and Sarah Thomson Woolley for Love Productions It will air next year on Channel 4 and More4.