The Game of Wool, set to launch through More4, will see 10 contestants take on a series of ‘complex’ knitting challenges in a bid to become the UK’s first TV knitting champion

A new show is set to launch inspired by a hobby shared by celebrities like Tom Daley (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Channel 4 is set to launch a new show inspired by celebrity knitting enthusiasts like Tom Daley, Lorde, Ryan Gosling and Nicholas Hoult.

The Game Of Wool will see “10 ambitious creatives take on a series of complex challenges where they have the chance to win a money-can’t-buy prize and be the UK’s first TV knitting champion”. Fashion industry veterans Di Gilpin and Sheila Greenwell, known for their collaborations with Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith and NIKE, will be assessing the entries.

Filming amidst a backdrop of rural Scotland, the show will challenge its participants to tackle two assignments each week, as reported by Bang Showbiz. It’s been teased that they are: “‘The Big Knit’ where they’ll be working together in teams on an extremely complex project, as well as ‘The Wee Knit’ where they’ll take on individual briefs that will really test their capabilities, skill level and whether they can tell a Fair Aisle from Intarsia.”

Clemency Green, Senior Commissioning Editor, expressed excitement, saying: “I am thrilled to be commissioning this compelling format for More4 and I’m looking forward to seeing the incredible creations our knitters come up with. My main hope is that The Game of Wool encourages people, young and older, to pick up the needles and experience the joy which knitting and creating can bring.”

A new competition show about knitting, which is a hobby loved by celebrities like Ryan Gosling, is set to launch (Image: WireImage)

Jo Street, Head of Lifestyle at Channel 4, also shared enthusiasm, stating: “I’m delighted to commission Hello Halo to produce The Game of Wool for More 4. As a Glasgow-based production company, they’re producing a show deeply rooted in the Scottish countryside and its historical impact, so Hello Halo could not be the more perfect indie to be working on this with. I truly hope the fact that knitting is so on trend for the ‘knit-tok’ generation means our show will find enthusiastic audiences in both the crafting community and beyond, bringing this wholesome pursuit to the mainstream who will be able to watch and stream the series on Channel 4.’

Whilst Executive Producer Wendy Rattray commented: “This is knitting but not as you know it. Expect a rainbow coloured extravaganza set in the Scottish countryside where brilliant knitters, young and old, will produce the most unexpected and jaw dropping knits: homewares; jewellery; sculptures; shoes; furniture… and much more. Wool is officially cool and we’re delighted to showcase the best of the best in this exciting new format.”

Helen Greatorex, Head of Format Acquisitions, Banijay Entertainment and Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions, Banijay Rights, said in a joint statemen: “Game of Wool seamlessly complements our existing line-up of factual entertainment formats, fitting into multiple slots. Producers across Banijay Entertainment are excited to pitch this charming format locally, and we expect significant opportunities for the UK version, set against the beautiful Scottish countryside. We’ve no doubt this show will enchant knitting enthusiasts and inspire competition format fans with this timeless craft.”