Why Patrick Grant keeps his love life off camera

Patrick Grant, the long-standing judge on The Great British Sewing Bee, has explained why he rarely discusses his romantic life: a past relationship ended with an ex being stalked. He says that experience shaped how public he lets his private life be.

Told by Jake Donovan · 23 July 2026

You know Patrick Grant. The sharp-suited judge on The Great British Sewing Bee since 2013. Designer. Business owner. Public face.

He keeps his romantic life private. That’s deliberate. He has spoken about a past relationship that culminated in an ex being stalked. That experience is why he won’t make his current partnerships fodder for headlines.

Privacy and safety are not the same thing. For people in the public eye, the line between attention and harm can be thin. Grant’s choice is a reminder of that. It’s a safety measure, not a publicity strategy.

He previously had a reported relationship with designer Katie Hillier. Media interest in celebrity couples is normal. The fallout he cites shows how normal attention can turn invasive.

That reality matters for everyone who follows public figures. Celebrity culture loves openness. But openness can carry risk. Grant has chosen discretion.

If you’re into fashion, TV or gossip, you can still admire his work. But remember: asking for someone’s private life can sometimes do real harm. Respect the boundaries people set. They usually have a reason.