The Great British Sewing Bee was back on our screens on Wednesday night with the third instalment of the new series. But it wasn't just the contestants' creations impressing viewers this week, as judge Esme Young amazed Sewing Bee fans when she revealed she had made Leonardo DiCaprio's iconic shirt worn in the 1996 film Romeo and Juliet.
During the latest instalment of Sewing Bee on May 11, the ten remaining sewers were given a summer theme and asked to make a two-piece trouser co-ord in the Made to Measure challenge. As usual, judges Esme and Patrick Grant went round to speak to the sewers about their designs but it was when asking contestant Steve about his inspiration that fashion designer Esme revealed a detail about her career that shocked viewers.
"What inspired you?" Esme asked contestant Steve as he began to cut out the fabric for his garment. "I really like tropical prints but also it's inspired by Leonardo DiCaprio's shirts in Romeo and Juliet," he explained and Esme quickly added excitedly: "I made them!".
Steve was left shocked as he replied: "Really? That is a coincidence seriously I'm not... That's like one of my favourite outfits from films". "Yes I made them," Esme continued before adding: "I had to make 10".
The revelation sent fans of the BBC series into a frenzy, with viewers quickly taking to Twitter saying the 73-year-old designer was a "legend" and "icon". Tina Parham tweeted: "Leonardo di Caprio’s shirt. I made them, said Esme. Well, I’ve heard of name dropping but garment dropping? @sewingbee #SewingBee" and Emily Jane added: "Esme casually mentioning she made the shirts in Romeo + Juliet like it's nothing. #SewingBee".
"Esme made Romeos shirts. That's pretty cool tbf. As if she wasn't already a legend. #SewingBee" Amy added. Roz tweeted: "Esme made the shirts for Leo in Romeo and Juliet. Ace! #SewingBee" and Dr Sophie Duncan posted: "!!! Esme made Leo’s shirts AND Bridget’s bunny outfit, the woman is an ICON (and she told them to “Pass these round” earlier) #SewingBee".
"Just when you thought Esme couldn't get more awesome. #SewingBee" Carrie Blackbird said. "Omg Esme made the R+J shirts?! Love that! #SewingBee" Rebecca said.
That's not the only iconic film costume Esme has been responsible for in her career. Renée Zellweger's classic bunny costume in the hit 2001 romantic comedy Bridget Jones's Diary and Cillian Murphy's costumes in 28 Days Later are two more of Esme's fabulous creations.
The Sewing Bee continues on Wednesday, May 18, from 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. You can catch up on all episodes of Sewing Bee series one to eight over on the BBC iPlayer.
