The Great Pottery Throw Down 2021: the judges, host and contestants

It’s previously been shown on BBC2 and More4, but now The Great Pottery Throw Down has a new home on Channel 4 – and a new presenter, Siobhán McSweeney. It’s as heartwarming as ever as 12 of Britain’s best home potters compete, all under the watchful (and sometimes tearful) eyes of judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller.

Every Sunday on Channel 4 at 7:45pm, you can immerse yourself in the trials and tribulations of creative contestants as they showcase their pottery prowess - transforming ordinary lumps of clay into pieces of glazed glory.

Each episode sees contestants vying for the "Top Potter" title as they tackle mammoth challenges, hoping to showcase enough skill, technique, and originality to avoid elimination.

It's not just for pottery enthusiasts either - with the art form's rich heritage, intriguing technical language, and potential for magical transformations, The Great Pottery Throw Down brings the messy and marvellous world of pottery to life.

Who's the host of The Great Pottery Throw Down?

The previous host of The Great Pottery Throw Down was Melanie Sykes, but from Series 4 in 2021 it will be hosted by Siobhán McSweeney. Siobhán is an Irish actress who has worked on a variety of films and TV series as well as various appearances on stage, but this is her first hosting role.

"As a genuine fan of the show, you can imagine my delight when I was asked to present the series," says Siobhán. "Despite assuring them I had no idea what I'm doing, Keith, Rich and the team have welcomed me to the fold with open arms.

"I'm looking forward to comforting and cheering on our marvellous potters and plan on having and bringing a lot of fun to the wheel!"

Who are the judges on The Great Pottery Throw Down?

Keith Brymer Jones is back as a judge, joined by Richard Miller (taking over from series three judge Sue Pryke).

Keith has been passionate about pottery from a young age, and currently works as the head of design for ceramics retailer Make International.

Rich has worked on the show since series 1 as a pottery technician, but in series 4 took the place of judge. He also runs stoneware tile company Froyles Tiles and has collaborated with a wide range of architects and designers.

"It's been such an inspirational and positive show to be a part of," says Rich. "Being given the opportunity to come back as a judge was amazing. Keith's enthusiasm is infectious, it's great judging alongside someone whose passion for ceramics matches my own. Plus, I no longer have to have sleepless nights worrying about dropping the potter's creations en route to the kiln!"

Who are the contestants in The Great Pottery Throw Down 2021?

This year the 12 passionate home potters are:

Susan, a Library assistant who was roped into painting and DIY as a child and discovered a creative streak.

Former model Shenyue, who ditched her role in the corporate world to follow her passion for ceramics, despite only being a potter for a year and a half.

Sally, a former graphic designer that used to call potters “mudslingers” when she was a tidy graphic design student, but now admits to being at her happiest when she’s in a “t-shirt, jeans and covered in mud.”

Peter, a visual arts teacher who returned to university at 50 years old to follow his passion and study a degree in ceramics.

Community nurse Lee, a constant crafter and hobbyist. He picked up pottery from an acquaintance three years ago, and hasn’t stopped since.

Jodie, NHS scrub nurse, triathlon and ironman enthusiast. She took up pottery two years ago when she was looking for a winter activity.

Irina, who works as executive ground staff for a private jet company. She loves to throw “feminine, floral, breathtaking romantic vases”.

Henry, an activities organiser in an elderly residential home. He taught himself to throw on a disused kick wheel and outside of pottery, loves trampolining, trapezing, unicycling and juggling.

Community-spirited volunteer Hannah, who says she developed her ceramics skills by learning through "osmosis" whilst volunteering at a pottery studio.

Ara, a retired theatre wardrobe manager that likes to accessorise his pots with studs, nuts and bolts, inspired by his costume days.

Architecture student Alon, who was raised in Israel and loves to cook traditional meals from his heritage.

Adam, a support worker who turned to clay when he was recovering from a car accident. He loves hand-building and is particularly inspired by the sea.

Inspired to start pottery yourself?

If watching The Great Pottery Throw Down has inspired you to try a bit of pottery yourself, you're not alone - the team at Yours feels exactly the same. We've found some essential gear you need if you want to try out pottery as a new hobby:

The Great Pottery Throw Down is on every Sunday at 7:45 on Channel 4.

Catch up on The Great Pottery Throw Down on All 4.

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