Lancashire-born potter James Stead has made it through to the seventh week of Channel 4 show The Great Pottery Throwdown, despite seeing his winning streak come to an end.
Prior to the latest episode, James had placed first in every second challenge so far, but this time around he was pipped to top spot by Jon.
The contestants were tasked with decorating venetian masks that had already been made and fired for them, and though James once again impressed judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller, as well as this week’s guest judge Henry Holland, Jon’s piece just edged him out.
In the main task this week, the potters were asked to create a bulbous table lamp to be decorated in the style of their favourite view.
With one of the biggest pieces of clay the potters have used in a main challenge so far, James set about creating a piece that reflected the woodland walks he enjoys with his family, putting particular attention on three 3D tree trunks that stuck out from the base.
As he has in all weeks previously, James was heavily praised for his finished item, with particular plaudits being given to the water elements he added in right at the bottom of the lamp base.
This was not enough to earn him the Potter of the Week award, which instead went to 46-year-old structural engineer Jon.
Going home this week was 27-year-old junior doctor George, leaving just six more contestants in the competition.
The Great Pottery Throwdown airs on Sunday nights on Channel 4.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here