Ketan Jethwa

A Cambridge tailor turned talent spotter to audition young hopefuls for a BBC television programme.

Ketan Jethwa, creative director at Tailoring UK in Burleigh Street, was a consultant for the Young Tailor of the Year programme which was shown on BBC Three on Sunday.

“The BBC wanted an independent tailor to advise them on who amongst the candidates appeared to show the most raw talent, and would be able to visibly learn on the show,” he said.

“We spent two days looking at these young hopefuls who have a passion for the craft. It’s interesting to see their fresh ideas, which can only be a good thing for industry.”

Mr Jethwa helped the production team whittle down 60 hopefuls to just four for the show. The candidates were required to talk about their experience and knowledge about tailoring.

“I was looking for passion and a drive to succeed and be the best by presenting some outstanding knowledge and skill, and showing that they knew how to apply it.

“I was very impressed by some of them, and I think it would be good for me to take some on at Tailoring UK and let them put their skills to good use.”