GREAT POTTERY THROW DOWN
S E R I E S 7
Filming Series 7 of The Great Pottery Throw Down was one of the most joyful, surreal, and exciting experiences of my life. From the moment I stepped into the pottery, I felt completely in my element — surrounded by clay, creativity, and the most incredible group of people. Week after week, I threw myself into every challenge, never imagining that I could win five Potters of the Week before ultimately winning the entire series. It still feels like a dream, and I’m endlessly grateful for the opportunity.
The show has had a profoundly positive impact on me, both personally and professionally. It gave me the confidence to trust my instincts and to push my ideas further. It also opened the door for me to work with ceramics full‑time — something I never dreamed would happen. The support from viewers, the encouragement from the judges, and the sheer joy of being immersed in clay every day have all shaped the person I am now.
One of the greatest gifts of the experience has been the friendships formed along the way. My fellow contestants were — and still are — some of the kindest, funniest, most talented people I’ve ever met. We supported each other through long filming days, celebrated each other’s wins, and held each other up when things got tough. They’ve become lifelong friends, and I treasure every memory we made together.
I also can’t say enough about the incredible team behind the scenes. The producers, crew, judges, Keith & Rich, and our wonderfully mischevious host Siobhan created an environment that was warm, encouraging, and full of laughter. Their passion for the show and for ceramics shines through in everything they do. They made us feel safe, supported, and inspired, and I’m so grateful for the care and dedication (and craic) they brought to every moment of filming. I genuinely missed seeing them every morning when it was all over.
Looking back, the Throw Down wasn’t just a competition — it was a celebration of creativity, community, and the joy of making. I carry that experience with me every day in my studio, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of something so incredibly special.
It really was the experience of a lifetime!
If you are considering applying - consider this your sign to do it!! I cant recommend it enough.
I couldn’t talk about my Throw Down journey without mentioning the person who set everything in motion for me all those years ago — my secondary school art teacher, Helen Shearer (@helenshearerporcelain). She was the first person to put clay in my hands and open my eyes to its possibilities. Her encouragement, enthusiasm, and belief in me planted the seed that eventually grew into a lifelong passion. I am eternally grateful for the role she played in shaping the path that led me to ceramics, to the Throw Down, and to the creative life I’m lucky enough to live today.
Reunited with my Art Teacher, Helen Shearer and my GCSE clay piece, at Bloomfield Collegiate School, Belfast after 30 years
The GCSE piece that inspired my teapot and mugs titled "Coming Full Circle" in Week 6 of Great Pottery Throw Down