The Great Pottery Throw Down Series 8 - Semi-Final Exit

It was the semi-final of The Great Pottery Throw Down, and our four remaining potters created Hell Mouth Fireplaces. Judges Rich Miller and Keith Brymer Jones decided who was potter of the week and who will leave the pottery.

At the end of the episode host Siobhán McSweeney announced that James was Potter of the Week, and sadly Diana had to leave the pottery.   

On hearing the news, Diana said: ‘Not a surprise!  Do you know, I am not feeling disappointed that I haven’t made it to the final, and I am immensely proud of what I have done. It’s just sad that it is coming to an end. I will miss the other three, they are all great.’

Here Diana talks about her time in the Pottery:

There were some new themes in this series – is there any particular week you enjoyed or found tricky during your time on GPTD.

I pretty much enjoyed most of the makes, especially the second challenges, the two hardest for me were the vegetable lamp and the fireplace.

Best and worst moment overall for you during the series?

Best moment winning the second challenge (three times), worst moment- knowing I’d done badly with the fireplace and would be going home.

Do you think when you watch it back on television will there be parts that you completely missed because you were concentrating on your pottery?

I’m sure it’ll be quite a different experience watching it, rather than doing it.

What was the funniest moment that happened throughout the series, can be on or off set?

The funniest moment was when we came back into the pottery to see all the heads we made, we all thought they were great until we saw them again, then couldn’t stop laughing at our creations. But James and I were frequently setting each other off giggling.

Would you encourage other amateur Potters out there to have a go on the series and why?

I would encourage them, it’s great to come out of your comfort zone and you learn so much from each other.

Will you make anything again from the series when you are at home and have more time?

I may remake some of the thrown challenges, but none of the hand-built ones – I know where my strengths lie now.

What were you most nervous about the whole experience and did it turn out ok in the end?

Most nervous about the judging, unfortunately I found it just as difficult as I thought I would.

Do you feel you have progressed now as a Potter? 

I’m certainly more able to throw big lumps of clay and a lot braver with ideas.

How emotional were you when you had to leave, and how supportive was everyone?

All day I knew I’d be going and was fine, even with the judging I was fine, but when we had to do our final interview I completely fell apart - my family know I’m very emotional and cry at the drop of a hat.

What will you take away from your experience of being on The Great Pottery Throw Down.

Great friendships and memories and maybe a little more confidence in my abilities.

What’s the biggest thing you have learned from being on the series?

Be brave and just get on with it.

What would you like to make next and how big or small?

I’d like to make some large thrown decorations vessels.

What’s next for you in the pottery world?

Not sure, just keep making and see what happens.