Engineer Alexei aiming for TV glory on the Great British Sewing Bee

Alexei Winter works at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s Machining Group, developing new and efficient ways to make aluminium, steel and titanium components.

The 36-year-old’s passion for creating men’s tailoring has secured him a spot among the ten contestants on series five of the BBC2 sewing show, which starts tonight (Tuesday).

He is the second AMRC employee to take part in a TV contest in 12 months, after engineering researcher Dr Rahul Mandal won the Great British Bake Off last year.

Alexei, who lives in Leeds with wife Beth, started sewing two years ago and uses his engineering skills to pay close attention to small details on garments.

Having had MS for more than ten years affecting the right side of his body, he learned to sew using his left hand.

Alexei is also a keen performer, having trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama after finishing his aerospace engineering degree.

The Great British Sewing Bee will last eight weeks, with three challenges per episode and a final on April 2.