The Great British Sewing Bee: Matt Chapple named winner after wowing judges with avant garde dress

The judges said Matt's skills are "incredible"

The Great British Sewing Bee 2015 finalists Matt, Lorna and Neil (BBC)

Matt Chapple has emerged triumphant as the winner of The Great British Sewing Bee.

The 37-year-old from Berkshire beat off stiff competition from Annie, Alex, Neela, Amanda, Ryan, Paul, Deborah and the two other Finalists Lorna and Neil to be crowned Britain’s best amateur sewer.

Matt, who started to sew when he was in the army aged 16, said winning the title “absolutely blew [him] away.”

Judges May Martin and Patrick decided to save their most demanding challenges to test the finalists, by setting an avant-garde theme.

Praising the champion’s outstanding efforts, Patrick said “Matt kept his very best for the very last sewing challenge.”

May added: “We had three incredible sewers in the Final, and really tough competition, but Matt’s dress was just incredible.”

Fellow finalist Neil, 45, from Andover said “I am really thrilled to bits for Matt, he thoroughly deserved it”.

Calling the experience of appearing on the show “wonderful”, Lorna, 68, from Kent said: “We haven’t really been up against each other, we have been such good friends. We have shared things and it has been a wonderful experience.”

Matt, who used to conceal his hobby from others, said: “I am not hiding the fact that I stitch anymore!

"I have had nothing but amazing support and encouragement that blokes can sew too."

Speaking of his time on the programme, he said: “I was up against strong competition and outstanding talent, so to make it to the Final was amazing. I was ready to shake either Lorna or Neil’s hand, so to win the title absolutely blew me away.

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“As the Bees we wanted to help each other, it just felt there was a lot of love in the sewing room!

“Without a doubt, my best dress was the final garment I made on Sewing Bee. That garment means the most to me, it’s very special.

“To be there in the final week and then win it was absolutely fantastic, I will never forget the experience," he added.