The first series of Handmade: Britain's Best Woodworker started on 21 October 2021 and aired for eight episodes concluding on 25 November 2021. The series was hosted by Mel Giedroyc, with judges Alex de Rijke and Helen Welch. Filming took place at the Glanusk Estate in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Woodworkers
Woodworker Age Occupation Hometown Billy Builder & novice carpenter Lancashire Chantal Artist & teacher Midlands Charlie Furniture maker Edinburgh Jade Furniture maker/set builder Paris Joe YouTuber Wolverhampton Michelle Retired Essex Misti Sculptor Ludlow Radha Junior cabinet maker Watford Tim Bike mechanic London
Results and eliminations
Elimination chart Woodworker 1 2 3 4 5 6MistiIMMUNITYWINNERWINNERWINNERCharlieWINNERIMMUNITYRUNNER-UPRadhaWINNERIMMUNITYIMMUNITYRUNNER-UPBillyIMMUNITYOUTJoeWINNEROUTJadeOUTMichelleOUTTimOUTChantalOUT
Colour key:
Woodworker got through to the next round. Woodworker was eliminated. Woodworker won immunity from elimination. Woodworker of the week. Woodworker was a series runner-up. Woodworker was the series winner.
Episodes Woodworker eliminated Woodworker of the week Woodworker won immunity Winner
Episode 1
Mel Giedroyc welcomes nine passionate enthusiast woodworkers to the workshop, where they are challenged to build a bed of dreams in just two days.
WoodworkerBig Build(Bed)Skills Test(Printing Block)BillyArched Framed BedChantalSleeper BedCharlie Living Tree BedJadeFour Poster BedJoeSpace Age BedMichelleSix Poster BedMistiGothic BedIMMUNITYRadhaJapanese Low BedTimBoat-shaped Bed
Episode 2
The Big Build challenge this week is to build a doll's house. With just 2 days to build what would normally take weeks, the pressure is on.
WoodworkerBig Build(Doll's House)Skills Test(Impossible Dovetail Joint)BillyRustic Farm HouseIMMUNITYCharlie LighthouseJadeArches Doll's HouseJoeModernist Doll's HouseMichelleChalet-style Doll's HouseMistiMedieval CastleRadhaIndian PalaceTimTransformable Doll's House
Episode 3
The woodworkers must bend and build their way to create chairs that could become design classics - and they have just two days to do it. Plus, the judges have a nasty surprise up their sleeves with a double elimination.
WoodworkerBig Build(Bespoke Chair)Skills Test(Whittled Teaspoons)BillySteam-bent ChairCharlie Minimalist Cube ChairIMMUNITYJadeDeck ChairJoeModernist Plywood ChairMichelleChair of CorrectionMistiRegal Tub ChairRadhaMinimalist Rocking Chair
Episode 4
The five remaining woodworkers take on animal sculptures. They must chainsaw and carve their way through this colossal big build and unleash their inner beasts as they attempt to uncover the animal within the wood in just 2 days.
WoodworkerBig Build(Animal Sculpture)Skills Test(Pole Lathe-turned Candlestick)BillyOak LionCharlie Oak SnailJoeOak Boxer DogMistiBlackened Oak ZebraRadhaPeacock on a LogIMMUNITY
Episode 5: Semi-Final
In the semi-final, the remaining woodworkers are asked to make a drinks cabinet inspired by a particular decade - the ultimate test of joinery, craftsmanship and design.
WoodworkerBig Build(Drinks Cabinet)Skills Test(Lathe Lampshade)BillyArt Deco Drinks CabinetCharlie Art Deco Drinks CabinetMistiMemphis Style Drinks CabinetRadhaGeorgian-inspired Drinks CabinetIMMUNITY
Episode 6: Final
The three remaining woodworkers tackle their biggest build yet - towering garden buildings - in a bid to impress judges Alex de Rijke and Helen Welch, and be crowned Britain's best woodworker.
WoodworkerBig Build(Garden Building)Skills Test(Marquetry)Charlie Hexagonal Potting ShedMistiGeometric Garden LoungeRadhaOutdoor Meditation Room
References