Tattooist 'shocked' to win pottery show

A tattoo artist from Cornwall has shared his delight after winning Channel 4's The Great Pottery Throw Down 2026.

Fynn Allen, 37, competed in 20 tough challenges across 10 episodes filmed at the Gladstone Pottery Museum in Stoke-on-Trent.

He was chosen alongside 11 other potters to compete in the show's ninth series and ended up being named Britain's Best Home Potter.

Allen said that it was a "big shock" and it still hasn't sunk in as of yet - the final was screened on Sunday night.

He said: "It all got wrapped up in November so I've had to tell a lot of white lies about where I've been and what I've been up to.

"My tattoo studio in Redruth - there was myself, family and friends so we were all watching it as it went out live.

"It was a big task for the final but a really enjoyable one - I really enjoyed it.

"In week five, making a plate - that was only third plate I have ever made, I've never thought of making it before," he continued.

"You don't have time, a lot of it is on the fly and you have just got to be led by the initiative of how you work with clay.

"I got a high five off Rich. It's lovely and as much as the positive feedback was really good, any kind of feedback is always really valuable, good or bad.

"A lot of my illustrative animal plates that I make have started life as a tattoo design and are now on a plate or mug.

"It has all just been a bit mad really - I'm still a bit overwhelmed with it all.

"My phone just lit up and went mad and it has continued today as well."

Speaking on BBC Radio Cornwall, Sally Tully, a 2021 Great Pottery Throw Down contestant also from the county, said: "I literally cheered, he's such a fantastic talent considering he's been doing it for such a short time.

"What a talent and his illustrative skills are second to none."

Touching on her own experience, she said: "The making is fine but the decorations are what really nails it with the judges.

"To end up as one of the 12 from that selection process just to get there is a big deal.

"The potters are now part of the club and we know what it is like to be there - we can maybe even tell a few truths that the public never ever get to hear."

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