Tom Daley Knitting Show: Game of Wool Where to Watch on Channel 4

Tom Daley traded his diving board for a ball of yarn, and somehow that makes perfect sense. The Olympic champion has been open about his love of knitting for years, but in 2025 he turned that private passion into primetime television with Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter on Channel 4. Now the show is heading back for a second series, and viewers want to know where they can watch it—and whether the drama behind the needles matches the drama on screen.

Host: Tom Daley ·
Channel: Channel 4 ·
Judges: Di Gilpin and Sheila Greenwell ·
Producer: Hello Halo ·
Status: Series 2 confirmed

What is the new knitting show on Channel 4?

Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter brings competitive crafting to primetime British television. The show aims to crown the UK’s first TV knitting champion, pitting 10 amateur knitters against each other in challenges that test both creativity and technique. Produced by Hello Halo, the format draws obvious comparisons to the Great British Bake Off—but instead of soggy bottoms, viewers get mohair fluff, dog costumes, and, reportedly, the occasional crying judge.

Host and judges

Olympic diving champion Tom Daley serves as host, bringing his own documented passion for knitting to the role. His credentials aren’t just for show: Daley has been open about using knitting as mental health support during his athletic career, which gives him genuine credibility with contestants.

The judging panel consists of Di Gilpin and Sheila Greenwell, both established figures in British knitting circles. According to Apple TV (official streaming listing), they evaluate contestants on creativity, technique, and overall finished quality. In Episode 2, both judges reportedly wore 80s-inspired sweaters as part of a themed challenge.

Format and production

Each episode runs approximately 50 minutes. Challenges include individual projects, group assignments, and themed tasks—Episode 2 featured an 80s-inspired group mohair jumper challenge with 10-12 hour time limits, alongside a dog outfit challenge. Critics from the knitting community have noted that these time limits may misrepresent the actual labor involved in handknitting, according to detailed episode breakdowns shared by craft-focused reviewers online.

Where can I watch Game of Wool?

For UK viewers, Game of Wool is most accessible through Channel 4’s own platforms. Season 1 episodes are available for catch-up viewing on Channel4.com, and there’s also an official Channel 4 playlist on YouTube containing full episodes.

Channel 4 streaming

The primary viewing option remains Channel4.com’s programmes page, where all aired episodes from Series 1 are available. Radio Times confirms this as the most straightforward option for UK-based viewers looking to catch up or watch episodes they may have missed.

Apple TV availability

The show is listed on Apple TV in the UK, providing an alternative for viewers who prefer that platform. Episode listings on Apple TV include descriptions and information about episode lengths.

YouTube options

Channel 4 maintains an official playlist on YouTube featuring Game of Wool episodes. This gives viewers another free streaming option beyond traditional catch-up services. Channel 4’s YouTube channel includes the full episode library from Series 1.

What channel is Tom Daley’s knitting on?

Game of Wool airs on Channel 4, a major UK commercial broadcaster. The show is one of several craft and lifestyle competition formats the channel has developed, though Game of Wool stands out due to Daley’s celebrity profile and the unexpected nature of a knitting competition as mainstream entertainment.

UK broadcast details

Tom Daley’s knitting programme airs on Channel 4 as part of the channel’s entertainment lineup. The show debuted in 2025 and follows a traditional weekly broadcast schedule, with episodes released across several weeks to build audience engagement.

International options

Currently, official international streaming options appear limited. The show is primarily available in the UK via Channel 4 platforms, with no confirmed global distribution deal for viewers outside Britain. US-based viewers seeking access would need to explore Channel 4’s streaming options, though geographic restrictions may apply.

Has Game of Wool been renewed for a second series?

Yes. Channel 4 officially confirmed a second season of Game of Wool following the successful 2025 debut. Radio Times reports that casting for season 2 is currently open, inviting amateur knitters throughout Britain to apply.

Announcement details

The renewal announcement came shortly after Series 1 concluded its initial run, reflecting Channel 4’s confidence in the show’s performance. Tom Daley is expected to return as host, with Di Gilpin and Sheila Greenwell reprising their judging roles.

Production location

Series 1 was filmed in the Scottish countryside, and production is expected to return to similar locations for season 2. The scenic backdrop plays into the show’s aesthetic, presenting knitting as both craft and lifestyle.

Why is everyone arguing about this knitting show?

Game of Wool has attracted controversy beyond typical reality show friction. The knitting community—a vocal and organized group online—has raised several concerns about the show’s production choices, accuracy, and ethical practices.

Shetland controversy

Episode 1 apparently touched on Fair Isle knitting, a traditional Shetland craft technique with deep cultural significance to the islands. This sparked backlash from Shetland islanders who felt the show misrepresented or appropriated their cultural heritage. In response, Channel 4 posted a Fair Isle knitting history video addressing viewer feedback, according to community reports.

Other production controversies

Beyond cultural appropriation concerns, the show has faced criticism over its use of AI-generated graphics rather than hiring human illustrators. Episode 2 reportedly featured controversy over contestant Meadow’s treatment and editing choices that community reviewers have flagged as potentially unfair.

Perhaps most eyebrow-raising: yarn company Wool and the Gang reportedly released knitting kits based on contestants’ designs from the show without compensating those contestants. The company is owned by the same private equity group that owns Rowan and Sirdar, two established names in British yarn retail.

Game of Wool represents an interesting gamble for Channel 4: a craft competition in an era when audiences have largely moved toward cooking and dating formats. Tom Daley’s involvement brings genuine star power, and the show’s production values are solid, but the knitting community’s pushback reveals a potential gap between entertainment and authenticity. Whether Series 2 can address those concerns while maintaining ratings remains to be seen.

Related reading: Jay and Silent Bob Reboot: Cast, Trailer, Where to Watch

Viewers inspired by Tom Daley’s techniques in Game of Wool should start with a reliable casting on tutorial to master the basics.

Frequently asked questions