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Mel Giedroyc has returned with Series 2 of the TV woodwork competition. Here's what to expect...

We do love a new TV show in autumn, so craft fans will be thrilled to know that Channel 4’s Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker has returned to our screens.

If you’ve been missing some crafting comforts from the likes of The Great British Sewing Bee and The Great Pottery Throwdown, this TV competition set in glorious ancient Welsh woodland could be just what you need.

Celebrating the beauty of wood, the second series of Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker sees 10 talented woodworking enthusiasts take to the workshop to compete for the coveted title of Britain’s Best Woodworker.

Each week, competitors will take on the challenge to build wonderful works of wood in just two days – combining epic scale with fine craftsmanship and cutting-edge design. They’ll also face a range of surprise challenges that test their core skills.

They have to impress the judges, entrepreneur and woodworking expert Sophie Sellu and design academic Tom Dyckhoff, to remain in the competition.

Presenter Mel Giedroyc appeared on ITV's Lorraine to discuss the show (Tuesday 20 September), saying: “We have 10 amazing woodworkers and sadly we have to lose a woodworker a week.

“And to meet these incredible people,” she adds. “A vast range of ages and people from all different backgrounds, but they all share this passion of woodwork. And they are incredible. Series 2, just you wait, it’s amazing.

Giving us insight into what creations we can expect this series, Mel said: “They make absolutely huge things from double beds to desks to little, tiny, tiny things.”

In episode one of the new series, the contestants were challenged to make a dining table inspired by a country of their choice to escape elimination.

As a twist, whoever wins the skills challenge each week – which was all about veneer panelling in the first episode – will get a guaranteed place in the next round.

Amina 39, academic developer, Greater Manchester

A former champion squash player, Amina’s desire to build things out of wood was born from her frustration of not being able to find furniture she’s drawn to, so she decided to start designing and creating her own furnishings. Amina admits that her eccentric style might not be to everybody’s taste, but that’s what makes her a truly unique woodworker.

Leeds-born Calum works in spatial, exhibition and interior design and 3D rendering. After sitting at a computer all day at work, by night Calum can be found making things from wood in a communal workshop that he shares with like-minded young creatives. He would love to be a professional woodworker one day.

Chloe is a Master’s student carving a path as a woodworker, designing unique pieces and favouring hand tools for a more personal touch. She is a strong believer in sustainability which is why wood is her favourite material. In her spare time, Chloe is part of a Celtic pagan drumming group and a repair group, offering free repairs to anything people bring them.

Dafydd is a self-taught woodworker. He has been using BSL as his main form of communication since a young age and works as a civil servant to improve access for Deaf people. Dafydd relies on interpreters to communicate with people who don’t sign and will be working with an interpreter in the Handmade workshop.

Jacob is a part-time caretaker, while also being known locally as ‘the wood guy’ – building a reputation as a local handyman. He might still be young, but Jacob adapts and learns from project to project and now wants to show you don’t need to have 50 years of experience or a Master’s degree to be a talented woodworker.

Lauren 35, landscape architect technician, Kent

Lauren never stops. She works full time to allow her wife to be a full-time mum and she loves to always have a project on to go, whether it be woodwork or a fitness goal. Woodwork has been a part of Lauren’s life since a young age. Now a landscape architect technician working for her twin, Lauren enjoys working with wood whenever she gets the chance.

Russell got into woodwork at the age of 16 when he did an NVQ in carpentry and joinery. He is a carpenter by trade, fitting kitchens and building cupboards. Russell has never made any bespoke furniture or artistic pieces but feels like he’s got lots of creativity within him which he never has the opportunity to really explore.

Sarah took up woodwork after being made redundant in 2021. She decided to make a garden bar so purchased a mini circular saw along with some reclaimed wood and hasn’t looked back since. Everything she has learnt is self-taught and, last winter, she even sold one of her custom-made grazing boards to Dame Judi Dench.

Tanya grew up in Northern Ireland and works as a product design teacher at a school in London. In 2017, Tanya was diagnosed with cancer which forced changes to her lifestyle which mean she has more time at home with her family and in her workshop. Now fully recovered, Tanya seizes every opportunity, including buying a campervan to custom renovate.

Tony worked as a creative director for 24 years before taking voluntary redundancy earlier this year. He got into woodwork as a hobby years ago after seeing a friend’s dad with a toolbox and realising he could fix things around the house too. Tony’s friends and family always encourage him to pursue his woodwork professionally.

Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker airs on Channel 4 at 8pm on Wednesdays and is also available on All4