More4 is set to captivate audiences with its latest original series, “The Game of Wool,” a vibrant new competition that stitches together creativity, challenge, and the charming backdrop of rural Scotland. Produced by Glasgow-based Hello Halo, part of STV Studios, this series is knitting its way into the hearts of viewers with an 8-episode run.
As knitting enjoys a renaissance, partly fueled by over 101 million ‘knitting’ videos on TikTok and celebrities like Tom Daley and Ryan Gosling taking up the needles, “The Game of Wool” is tapping into the zeitgeist. The series will feature 10 crafty creatives from across the UK competing to become the nation’s first TV knitting champion, with a prize that promises to be as unique as their creations.
Set in the picturesque Scottish countryside, known for its rich heritage in wool and knitting, the show presents contestants with two types of challenges each week: ‘The Big Knit’—a team effort on a complex project—and ‘The Wee Knit’—individual tasks that test the knitters’ skills from Fair Aisle to Intarsia techniques.
Judging their efforts will be the renowned wool experts Di Gilpin and Sheila Greenwell, whose credentials include working with fashion giants like Chanel and NIKE. Their critical eyes will be complemented weekly by a celebrity guest judge to help decide which contestant gets ‘cast off.
Clemency Green, Senior Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, expressed enthusiasm for the series, stating, “I am thrilled to be commissioning this compelling format for More4. My main hope is that ‘The Game of Wool’ encourages people of all ages to pick up the needles and experience the joy which knitting and creating can bring.
Jo Street, Head of Lifestyle at Channel 4, also commented, “This is not just a show but a celebration of the craft, set in a location that embodies the spirit of the art of knitting. We are excited to bring this series to our viewers and inspire a new generation of knitters.”
The Game of Wool” not only aims to entertain but also to inspire, showcasing a spectrum of knitted wonders from homeware and jewellery to furniture and even yarn-bombed sculptures. With its innovative approach, the series is poised to make knitting the coolest trend of the season.
The series is represented internationally by Banijay Entertainment, with significant opportunities anticipated for both the format and the finished tape across global markets. Game of Wool seamlessly complements our existing lineup of factual entertainment formats,” noted Helen Greatorex and Simon Cox of Banijay in a joint statement, underscoring the show’s universal appeal.
“The Game of Wool” promises to be a colourful extravaganza, celebrating the timeless craft of knitting in a modern competitive format. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or a curious newbie, this series is set to weave its magic starting this autumn on More4.
