PICTURES: MEET THE POTTERY THROWDOWN CONTESTANTS

The battle of the clay returns in a brand-new series of The Great Pottery Throw Down, hosted by Siobhán McSweeney, as 12 of Britain's best home potters compete to become champion.

In the first episode, judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller set the potters two challenges against the clock: to throw a cheese set and port chalices, as the battle of clay kicks off at the wheel.

Who will be named potter of the week, and who will be first to leave the pottery?

The Great Pottery Throwdown begins Sunday 10th January on Channel 4.