The Great Pottery Throwdown 2026

[AlicePottery]

Starting in 15 minutes, anyone else watching?

Just caught up. As ever, what lovely people they all are and so talented. I loved the Dickens but wasn't sure blue and white is very Victorian? I'm probably wrong!

Seem a strong bunch.

I recognise Nav too and, yes, it may be 'him off that ad' .

I’m looking forward to seeing the bookends next week. I don’t remember that being a task before?

They do seem very talented but I really hope that Nav drops the monochrome theme and gets colourful!

I know Andrew! He’s the loveliest man and I’ve been so excited to watch him on this show (even though I have no knowledge of pottery).

Is Fynn a trans man?

I think Fynn may be trans, I thought he deserved POTW - it would have been the beautiful Dickens set if it wasn’t for the ladle though. So many beautiful sets and all such lovely interesting people. Perfect winter viewing.

My mum said she's seen him in lots of things but couldn't name any. I thought maybe he just had one of those familiar faces? I like him even if I wasn't crazy about his decoration this week.

I also thought Fynn was a transman

This is him

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2558027/

Ahhh Ludwig! Anybody remember his character?

I dont think Fynn's was the best one.

Don't think so but I definitely do recognise him.

I think they must have a new person running their social media; don’t we usually have close ups of the better pieces from each episode by now?

There must have been something very special about Fynn’s piece that didn’t come across on TV.

They extended the application window last year, which might explain why some potters seem to be semi-pro.

The standard seems really high this year, anyway. I suspect I am going to be delighted for whoever wins, but I would be pleased if they didn’t necessarily have an arty background/job.

There must have been something very special about Fynn’s piece that didn’t come across on TV. The illustrations of the dogs in the soup bowls were exceptionally charming

This is the kitchen advert I recognise Naveed from!

I also thought Fynn was a transman

They are - testosterone really messes up vocal chords.

Great illustrations, but personally I liked Angharad's most, and the one with the lovely figures.

Fynn's tureen was the one that Keith commented was a brilliant weight given its size, so it may have been that as well as the illustration that tipped it his way.

I just love this programme and am always so impressed with how some people can create such beautiful pottery.
Obviously I will prefer some designs to others but really I think they are all amazing.
I think it was the right decision to send Olympia home but more, I felt, because she maybe had less experience than the others; given her age. I’m sure she will create loads of brilliant stuff going forward and wish her well.

The standard does seem high this year based on the first episode. Previously there have been a couple of stand outs right from the start, but this year it’s more that there are a couple of weaker/less experienced potters, Olympia included. They all seem a lovely bunch of people as usual so looking forward to the rest of the series.

Fynn's dog illustrations were amazingly well done (drawing with slip trailing is incredibly difficult to get right) and the weight of the piece will have played a very important part in the judging, so although we didn't think it looked like the best set I can understand why they got POTW.

@Madcatsthey've just started posting the close-ups on social media 🥳

I’m watching now, I always enjoy it but hate the “comedy” interludes. I record it so I can ffw through those. I wondered if anyone else would think Flynn is a TM

Joining this thread as I have just done a mug work shop with one previous contestant and it was so much fun! Am now obsessing over Instagram reels and about to watch this show…

Is this on Insta? Who/what are you following (luddite X/Facebooker here can’t see anything)?

On FB, following the Great Pottery Throw Down page, must be on Insta too but hasn't come up on my feed yet.

RE Flynn, I thought it was pretty obvious they were female 😅 (but then again I genuinely thought the previously kiln tech was just a bloke in a dress with an unusual name so am probably not the most on point person when it comes to these things). Luckily it doesn't make the slightest bit of difference to their skills as a potter 😀

Really enjoyed the episode. Lots of skill and talent from the off. I think broken ladle man would have won POTW had it been intact. Flynn v worthy winner tho.

I loved Flynn’s dog drawings, didn’t love the rest of it but there didn’t seem to be much competition apart from broken ladle man

@AlicePottery Rose (the previous kiln tech) was biologically male. He was found to have posted some pretty awful things online which is why he disappeared and Princess took over. I liked Princess when she was a contestant so I'm pleased she now has this job!