The Great British Sewing Bee star Patrick Grant has revealed the reason he keeps his girlfriend away from the spotlight after the horrific ordeal his ex went through.
The Scottish designer has judged the BBC programme since 2013, and was joined by Esme Young from the fourth series.
Tonight, the final of the 2024 competition is due to take place, and a new winner will be crowned.
Despite his career in the public eye, and making other BBC appearances including on Countryfile, Patrick keeps his romantic life away from the spotlight.
The 52-year-old was previously in a relationship with designer Katie Hillier, saying they had ‘a tremendous amount in common’ in a 2012 interview.
However he is now in a relationship with a dentist, but keeps their life together strictly private, and has explained why.
In an interview with The Times last year, Patrick explained: ‘My last girlfriend was so badly stalked online while we were together.
‘I’m loath to put someone else through that ordeal.’
He added nothing else about their relationship, despite mentioning that she is 10 years his junior.
Addressing his fame and fans, Patrick added: ‘Who am I to complain if audiences say I scrub up well — but I’d rather focus on work to be honest.’
The clothier is the director of bespoke tailors Norton & Sons of Savile Row, clothing lines E. Tautz & Sons and Community Clothing, and textile manufacturer Cookson & Clegg.
Last year, he told Metro.co.uk about his love for Sewing Bee after more than a decade on the programme.
He shared: ‘The show has just become more fun. It was always really fun but, for the first few years, it was treated a bit more seriously and I think when Joe (Lycett) arrived and certainly with Sara (Pascoe) in charge now, the show is a lot of fun.’
The programme is currently presented by Ghosts star Kiell Smith-Bynoe, after Sara departed the programme following the birth of her second child.
Patrick went on: ‘But also the contestants. We think every year that we can’t possibly get another dozen people who are as good as last year and they always surprise us.
‘There are always people bringing new ideas and new techniques to the room. We try and make it every year harder and every year the contestants step up and it’s great to see.’
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