With her shock departure from the Sewing Bee, we look back on some of the lives she’s changed and why she’ll always be the heart of the Bee.

“I really do LOVE May Martin… she’s a joy to work with, a true professional and knows her stuff inside out and upside down, and that’s based on a lifetime of experience. I also love that she is a true teacher at heart, instructive, kindly admonishing when needed and so encouraging. I was her ‘grower’ on the Sewing Bee, she appreciated how hard I was working and how much I wanted to take on board every comment she made. She fought to keep me to the semi-finals and gave me a chance to show what I could do.”
Stuart Hillard

“It was lovely to meet May on the Sewing Bee. My favourite moment was when she told me my child’s waistcoat had wobbly bottoms!”
Amanda Gledhill

“May Martin has an astounding depth of knowledge. With the eye of a perfectionist, coupled with the talent and passion for sharing her skills, she’s a true gem!”
Heather Jacks

“I think May is great because she is so knowledgable and is really passionate about teaching and sharing that with others. I feel really lucky to have had the chance to meet and get to know her during my Sewing Bee experience.”
Lauren Guthrie

“I love May Martin because she taught me not to be scared of trimming seams!”
Ryan Walklett

“May Martin was like my Sewing Bee mum when I was on the show. In between takes she would be in her slippers which was just super cute. But the main reason is that on my last day of filming she came to me and said: ‘You need to have more confidence in yourself’. What she said that day has always stayed with me and has definitely spurred me on to do what I do today – teach, inspire and start sewing revolutions. Thank you May!”
Jenniffer Taylor