Try 30 days of free premium.

Portrait Artist of the Year - Episode Guide

Season 1

London

Episode: 1x01 | Airdate: Nov 5, 2013

London

Joan Bakewell and Frank Skinner begin their search for the Portrait Artist of the Year in London, where artists are asked to paint stars such as actors Alison Steadman, Robert Lindsay and Juliet Stevenson.

Glasgow

Episode: 1x02 | Airdate: Nov 12, 2013

Glasgow

Frank Skinner, Joan Bakewell and the judges head to Glasgow as 21 competitors capture celebrity sitters including Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner, actor John Hannah and Paralympian Michael Kerr.

Dublin

Episode: 1x03 | Airdate: Nov 19, 2013

Dublin

Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell take the competition to Dublin where 21 artists hope to wow judges with portraits of actors Pauline McLynn, David Rawle and rapper Lethal Bizzle.

Cardiff

Episode: 1x04 | Airdate: Nov 26, 2013

Cardiff

The final tryout takes Joan Bakewell and Frank Skinner to Wales where artists paint rugby player Gavin Henson, artist Lucian Freud's muse Sue Tilley and war veteran Simon Weston.

Paris

Episode: 1x05 | Airdate: Dec 3, 2013

Paris

The penultimate stage of the competition takes the four finalists to Paris where they have six hours to paint author and model Sophie Dahl.

National Portrait Gallery

Episode: 1x06 | Airdate: Dec 10, 2013 (90 min)

National Portrait Gallery

The finalists unveil one last portrait before the judges enter tense discussions over the winner. The portrait artist of the year is awarded a commission to paint writer Hilary Mantel.

Painting Hilary Mantel

Episode: S01 Special | Airdate: Feb 25, 2014 (30 min)

No image (yet).

The winner of the first Portrait Artist of the Year competition visits Booker Prize-winning author Hilary Mantel in her home; the final portrait is revealed.

Season 2

Sol Campbell, John Humphrys, Maisie Williams

Episode: 2x01 | Airdate: Nov 4, 2014

Sol Campbell, John Humphrys, Maisie Williams

Season two premiere. Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell begin their hunt for the next Portrait Artist of the Year. The first episode sees artists paint sitters including English footballer Sol Campbell, broadcaster John Humphrys and Game of Thrones actress Maisie Williams.

Julian Fellowes, Ronni Ancona, Helena Kennedy QC

Episode: 2x02 | Airdate: Nov 11, 2014

Julian Fellowes, Ronni Ancona, Helena Kennedy QC

More artists put their nerves and artistic flair to the test as they paint celebrities including Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, actress Ronni Ancona and barrister Helena Kennedy QC in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Gary Kemp, Daniela Nardini, Ashley Jensen

Episode: 2x03 | Airdate: Nov 18, 2014

Gary Kemp, Daniela Nardini, Ashley Jensen

Artists in Scotland paint stars such as Spandau Ballet's guitarist Gary Kemp and actresses Daniela Nardini and Ashley Jensen (Ugly Betty). An incredibly close heat means there's a twist in store.

Non Evans, Ade Adepitan, Greg Davies

Episode: 2x04 | Airdate: Nov 25, 2014

Non Evans, Ade Adepitan, Greg Davies

Frank Skinner, Joan Bakewell and the judges move the competition to Wales, where 12 gifted artists get just four hours to paint celebrities including athlete Non Evans, Paralympian Ade Adepitan and comedian Greg Davies.

Jilly Cooper, Daniel Roche, Melvyn Bragg

Episode: 2x05 | Airdate: Dec 2, 2014

Jilly Cooper, Daniel Roche, Melvyn Bragg

In London, 12 artists attempt to impress the judges by capturing celebrities including writer Jilly Cooper and actor Daniel Roche. One contestant uses tapestry to depict broadcaster Melvyn Bragg.

Neil Hannon, Sharon Corr, Colm Meaney

Episode: 2x06 | Airdate: Dec 9, 2014

Neil Hannon, Sharon Corr, Colm Meaney

Artists vie for the final place in the semi-final by painting singers Neil Hannon and Sharon Corr, as well as actor Colm Meaney in Dublin.

Richard Dawkins, Sally Hitchiner

Episode: 2x07 | Airdate: Dec 16, 2014

Richard Dawkins, Sally Hitchiner

The seven semi-finalists battle for a place in the final by painting a double portrait of Professor Richard Dawkins and the Reverend Sally Hitchiner.

Sir Ian McKellen

Episode: 2x08 | Airdate: Dec 23, 2014 (90 min)

Sir Ian McKellen

It is crunch time as the three finalists get four nerve-wracking hours to paint actor Sir Ian McKellen. The portrait artist of the year is awarded a commission to paint actor Alan Cumming.

Alan Cumming

Episode: 2x09 | Airdate: Dec 30, 2014

No image (yet).

The final episode follows the winning artist painting the multi award-winning actor Alan Cumming. After three days of painting, the final portrait is revealed at a special reception at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Season 3

Episode 1

Episode: 3x01 | Airdate: Jan 24, 2017

Episode 1

Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell launch a new search for a star portrait artist. The contestants will paint celebrity sitters as they hope to win the £10,000 prize.

Episode 2

Episode: 3x02 | Airdate: Jan 31, 2017

Episode 2

This week, the contestants paint celebrity sitters Sue Perkins, Richard E Grant and Nina Sosanya. But who will the judges send through to the next round of the competition?

Episode 3

Episode: 3x03 | Airdate: Feb 7, 2017

Episode 3

James Norton, Raleigh Ritchie and Lesley Manville are the celebrity sitters as the artists compete for the £10,000 commission. Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell host.

Episode 4

Episode: 3x04 | Airdate: Feb 14, 2017

No image (yet).

Actor Trevor Eve, Fortitude star Parminder Nagra and author Ben Okri are the celebrity sitters.

Episode 5

Episode: 3x05 | Airdate: Feb 21, 2017

No image (yet).

Musician Rick Wakeman, Hairy Biker Dave Myers and singer Katie Kissoon are the sitters awaiting a new group of portrait artists as the competition continues.

Episode 6

Episode: 3x06 | Airdate: Feb 28, 2017

No image (yet).

Episode 7

Episode: 3x07 | Airdate: Mar 7, 2017

No image (yet).

Episode 8

Episode: 3x08 | Airdate: Mar 14, 2017

No image (yet).

It's the final and the three remaining artists hope to impress the judges as they paint celebrity sitter Tom Courtenay and win a career-changing £10,000 commission.

Episode 9

Episode: 3x09 | Airdate: Mar 14, 2017

No image (yet).

This special film joins the Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2017 winner to take a look at their journey through the competition and their stunning work

Season 4

David Tennant, Michaela Coel, James Morrison

Episode: 4x01 | Airdate: Jan 16, 2018

No image (yet).

Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell search for a new star portrait artist. The celebrity sitters opening the series are David Tennant, Michaela Coel and James Morrison.

Noel Fielding, Reggie Yates, Daphne Selfe

Episode: 4x02 | Airdate: Jan 23, 2018

No image (yet).

Comedian Noel Fielding, TV presenter Reggie Yates and model Daphne Selfe are the celebrity sitters this week as a group of artists attempts to impress the judges.

Ross Kemp, Freddie Fox, Vicky McClure

Episode: 4x03 | Airdate: Jan 30, 2018

No image (yet).

Investigative journalist Ross Kemp, actor Freddie Fox and Broadchurch star Vicky McClure strike a pose for a new group of portrait artists.

Rachel Hunter, Stefanie Martini, Conleth Hil

Episode: 4x04 | Airdate: Feb 6, 2018

No image (yet).

This week's famous sitters are model Rachel Hunter, actress Stefanie Martini and Game of Thrones star Conleth Hill as the portrait painting competition continues.

Elizabeth McGovern, Fiona Shaw, Kadeena Cox

Episode: 4x05 | Airdate: Feb 13, 2018

No image (yet).

Downton Abbey actress Elizabeth McGovern, Harry Potter film star Fiona Shaw and Paralympic gold medalist Kadeena Cox sit for a new group of portrait artists.

Kenneth Cranham, Claire Skinner, Sope Dirisu

Episode: 4x06 | Airdate: Feb 20, 2018

No image (yet).

A new group of portrait artists attempt to capture the likeness of actors Kenneth Cranham, Claire Skinner and Sope Dirisu on canvas. Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell host.

Michael Ball, Robert Bathurst, Anita Rani

Episode: 4x07 | Airdate: Feb 27, 2018

No image (yet).

Singer Michael Ball, actor Robert Bathurst and broadcaster Anita Rani are this week's celebrity sitters as the portrait painting competition continues.

Meera Syal, Derek Jacobi, Kirsty Wark

Episode: 4x08 | Airdate: Mar 6, 2018

No image (yet).

In the last of the heats, actress Meera Syal, star of stage and screen Sir Derek Jacobi and broadcaster Kirsty Wark sit for a new group of portrait artists.

Lily Cole, Simon Callow

Episode: 4x09 | Airdate: Mar 13, 2018

No image (yet).

It's the semi-final and the remaining artists attempt to impress the judges with their portraits of this week's celebrity sitters - model Lily Cole and actor Simon Callow.

Emeli Sande

Episode: 4x10 | Airdate: Mar 20, 2018

No image (yet).

It's the final and the portrait artists are challenged to paint multi award-winning singer-songwriter Emeli Sande before the judges pick a series winner.

Kim Cattrall

Episode: 4x11 | Airdate: Mar 20, 2018

No image (yet).

This special film follows the winner of Portrait Artist of the Year 2018 as they paint a commissioned portrait of Sex and the City actress Kim Cattrall.

Celebrity Portrait Artist of the Year

Episode: S04 Special | Airdate: Dec 18, 2018

No image (yet).

Celebrities including Vic Reeves, Joe Lycett and Maureen Lipman show off their artistic skills as they paint portraits of Billy Howle, Howard Jacobson and Kanya King.

Season 5

Matthew Goode, Geraldine James, Andi Oliver

Episode: 5x01 | Airdate: Feb 12, 2019

No image (yet).

Ready, set, paint! Nine eager artists get four hours to capture stars including Matthew Goode as this year's search begins. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan host.

David Gandy, Anne Reid, Ashley Walters

Episode: 5x02 | Airdate: Feb 19, 2019

No image (yet).

Model David Gandy and actors Ashley Walters and Anne Reid strike a pose as nine more hopefuls bid to paint their way to the semi-final. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan host.

Eddie Hall, Jodie Kidd, James Purefoy

Episode: 5x03 | Airdate: Feb 26, 2019

No image (yet).

Nine artists race the clock to capture Eddie Hall, Jodie Kidd and James Purefoy on canvas. Whose work will land them a spot in the semi-final? Let the judges decide.

Anna Chancellor, Stephen Graham, Beverley Knight

Episode: 5x04 | Airdate: Mar 5, 2019

No image (yet).

Another spot in the semi-final is up for grabs as nine more fledgling Frida Kahlos get set to paint stars Anna Chancellor, Stephen Graham and Beverley Knight.

Georgina Campbell, Mark Gatiss, Tanni Grey-Thompson

Episode: 5x05 | Airdate: Mar 12, 2019

No image (yet).

The next bunch of hopefuls pitch their easels as they bid to paint their way to the semi-finals. Mark Gatiss, Georgina Campbell and Tanni Grey-Thompson strike a pose.

Angela Griffin, Gina McKee, Jamael Westman

Episode: 5x07 | Airdate: Mar 26, 2019

No image (yet).

Nine more artists fight for a spot in the semi-final, getting just four hours to wow the judges with paintings of Angela Griffin, Gina McKee and Jamael Westman.

Jodie Comer, Daniel Lismore, Nick Moran

Episode: 5x08 | Airdate: Apr 2, 2019

No image (yet).

It's brushes at the ready as nine more artists battle for the last spot in the semi-final. With designer Daniel Lismore and actors Jodie Comer and Nick Moran.

Courtney Pine

Episode: 5x09 | Airdate: Apr 9, 2019

No image (yet).

The semi-finalists battle for three spots in the series final as they paint jazz star Courtney Pine at Hackney's Round Chapel. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan host.

Final - Laura Linney

Episode: 5x10 | Airdate: Apr 16, 2019

No image (yet).

It's crunch time as the finalists get four nerve-wrecking hours to paint Laura Linney at the National Portrait Gallery.

Season 6

Asa Butterfield, Micky Flanagan, Anjli Mohindra

Episode: 6x01 | Airdate: Jan 21, 2020

No image (yet).

Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan launch another talent search, with the first batch of contestants painting celebrity sitters Asa Butterfield, Micky Flanagan and Anjli Mohindra.

Trevor Nelson, Noel Clarke and Ashley Roberts

Episode: 6x02 | Airdate: Jan 28, 2020

No image (yet).

The contestants are challenged to paint DJ Trevor Nelson, actor and director Noel Clarke and former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

Len Goodman, Tinie Tempah and Harriet Walter

Episode: 6x03 | Airdate: Feb 4, 2020

No image (yet).

The contestants are challenged to paint former Strictly judge Len Goodman, rapper Tinie Tempah and actress Harriet Walter. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

Asim Chaudhry, Russell Tovey and Doreen Mantle

Episode: 6x04 | Airdate: Feb 11, 2020

No image (yet).

The contestants are challenged to paint comedian Asim Chaudhry, actor Russell Tovey and actress Doreen Mantle. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

John Cooper Clarke, Fearne Cotton and Haydn Gwynne

Episode: 6x05 | Airdate: Feb 18, 2020

No image (yet).

The contestants are challenged to paint poet John Cooper Clarke, TV presenter Fearne Cotton and actress Haydn Gwynne. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

Elaine Paige

Episode: 6x09 | Airdate: Mar 17, 2020

No image (yet).

The semi-final sees the remaining artists attempt to impress the judges with their portraits of musical theatre star Elaine Paige

Lemn Sissay

Episode: 6x10 | Airdate: Mar 24, 2020

No image (yet).

The three remaining artists compete in the final, painting poet Lemn Sissay before the winner of the career-changing £10,000 commission is announced.

Season 7

Eddie Izzard

Episode: 7x10 | Airdate: Dec 16, 2020

No image (yet).

The competition reaches its climax as the remaining artists attempt to capture the likeness of comedian, actor and political activist Eddie Izzard.

Carlos Acosta

Episode: 7x11 | Airdate: Dec 16, 2020

No image (yet).

Following the winner as they complete a £10,000 commission to paint Carlos Acosta, director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, for a piece that will be exhibited at the Birmingham Art Gallery.

Season 8

Gabrielle, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Grace Neutral

Episode: 8x01 | Airdate: Oct 13, 2021

No image (yet).

Stephen Mangan and Joan Bakewell return with the contest, as the first heat sees nine artists create portraits of singer Gabrielle, actor Jacob Fortune-Lloyd and model Grace Neutral. Kathleen Soriano, Tai Shan Schierenberg and Kate Bryan judge their efforts.

Gyles Brandreth, Karen Gibson, Sophie Cookson

Episode: 8x02 | Airdate: Oct 20, 2021

No image (yet).

The competition continues as the artists create portraits of Gyles Brandreth, Karen Gibson and Sophie Cookson, judged by Kathleen Soriano, Tai Shan Schierenberg and Kate Bryan.

Alexa Chung, Nish Kumar, Philip Glenister

Episode: 8x03 | Airdate: Oct 27, 2021

No image (yet).

The third heat sees contestants creating portraits of celebrity sitters Alexa Chung, Nish Kumar and Philip Glenister. Kathleen Soriano, Tai Shan Schierenberg and Kate Bryan judge.

Celeste, Lydia West, Alastair Campbell

Episode: 8x04 | Airdate: Nov 3, 2021

No image (yet).

The competition continues as artists create portraits of sitters Celeste, Lydia West and Alastair Campbell, while Kathleen Soriano, Tai Shan Schierenberg and Kate Bryan judge.

Kelly Macdonald, Hugh Skinner, Polly Walker

Episode: 8x05 | Airdate: Nov 10, 2021

No image (yet).

The competition continues as artists create portraits of Kelly Macdonald, Hugh Skinner and Polly Walker. Kathleen Soriano, Tai Shan Schierenberg and Kate Bryan judge.

David Olosuga, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Sergei Polunin

Episode: 8x06 | Airdate: Nov 17, 2021

No image (yet).

David Olusoga, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Sergei Polunin sit for the next batch of contenders, with Kathleen Soriano, Tai Shan Schierenberg and Kate Bryan judging their efforts.

Chris Packham, Arlene Phillips, Ali Jawad

Episode: 8x07 | Airdate: Nov 24, 2021

No image (yet).

Chris Packham, Arlene Phillips sit for the next batch of contestants create portraits and present them to judges Kathleen Soriano, Tai Shan Schierenberg and Kate Bryan.

Nick Mason

Episode: 8x09 | Airdate: Dec 8, 2021

No image (yet).

The semi-final sees the eight qualifying artists create portraits of Nick Mason of Pink Floyd and present them to the judges, with only three progressing to the grand final.

Barry Humphries

Episode: 8x10 | Airdate: Dec 15, 2021

No image (yet).

The competition reaches its climax as the remaining artists attempt to capture the likeness of comedian and actor Barry Humphries, before the winner is announced.

Nicola Benedetti

Episode: 8x11 | Airdate: Dec 22, 2021

No image (yet).

Following the winner as they complete a £10,000 commission to paint violinist Nicola Benedetti for the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Best Of

Episode: 8x12 | Airdate: Dec 22, 2021

No image (yet).

Highlights of the eighth series of the competition to find the UK's most talented portrait artist.

Portrait Artist of the Year: The Exhibition

Episode: S08 Special | Airdate: Apr 13, 2022

No image (yet).

A trip down memory lane with a look at an exhibition at Compton Verney. celebrating some of the finest work to have been produced during the programme. Curated by Kathleen Soriano, the show features more than 120 works of art selected from the more than 1,000 artists who have taken part over the years.

Portrait Artist of the Year 2022: Christmas Celebrity Special

Episode: S08 Special | Airdate: Dec 21, 2022

No image (yet).

Festive challenge in which six famous faces paint either Slade's Noddy Holder, designer Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen or singer Mica Paris - with a little help from some wise mystery guests. Judging their efforts are artist Tai Shan Schierenberg, independent curator Kathleen Soriano and art historian Kate Bryan. Presented by Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan.

Celebrities V Kids Special

Episode: S08 Special | Airdate: Jun 21, 2023

No image (yet).

Nitin Ganatra, Anita Mangan, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Toyah Willcox, Leigh Francis and Gemma Cairney join six school pupils selected as part of Sky Arts Access All Arts initiative to paint portraits of Konnie Huq, Lee Ridley and Chi-Chi Nwanoku.

Season 9

Portrait Artist of the Decade

Episode: S09 Special | Airdate: Oct 4, 2023 (90 min)

No image (yet).

Stephen Mangan and Joan Bakewell present a special feature-length episode in which the nine previous winners return to the Battersea Arts Centre to paint actress Judi Dench.

Richard Curtis, Emma Freud, Fleur East

Episode: 9x01 | Airdate: Oct 11, 2023

No image (yet).

Stephen Mangan and Joan Bakewell host the first heat of this year's competition from Battersea Art Centre, where a new crop of artists looks to impress the judges with a portrait of Richard Curtis, Emma Freud or Fleur East.

Jay Rayner, Nihal Arthanayake, Susanna Reid

Episode: 9x02 | Airdate: Oct 18, 2023

No image (yet).

Nine more contestants take part in the second heat of the competition, where the celebrity sitters are Jay Rayner, Nihal Arthanayake and Susanna Reid.

Rory Stewart, Ainsley Harriott, Rob Delaney

Episode: 9x03 | Airdate: Oct 25, 2023

No image (yet).

Nine more artists are challenged with creating portraits of one of celebrity sitters Rory Stewart, Ainsley Harriott and Rob Delaney.

Josh Widdicombe, Nicky Spence, Shirley Ballas

Episode: 9x06 | Airdate: Nov 15, 2023

No image (yet).

Josh Widdicombe, Nicky Spence, Shirley Ballas: A set of new celebrities enter the fore as the painters put their artistic flair to the test.

Joe Sugg, Daryl McCormack, Lenny Rush

Episode: 9x07 | Airdate: Nov 22, 2023

No image (yet).

Nine contestants take part in the seventh heat of the competition at Battersea Arts Centre, where the celebrity sitters are Joe Sugg, Daryl McCormack and Lenny Rush.

Emma Bunton

Episode: 9x08 | Airdate: Nov 29, 2023

No image (yet).

The semi-final stage arrives as the contestants create portraits of Spice Girls star Emma Bunton, with only three artists progressing to the final.

Joan Bakewell

Episode: 9x09 | Airdate: Dec 6, 2023

No image (yet).

The final of the competition to find the UK's most talented portrait artist, with the programme's presenter Joan Bakewell sitting for the three contenders hoing to win the £10,000 commission to paint a portrait of conservationist Jane Goodall.

The Winner's Story

Episode: 9x10 | Airdate: Dec 6, 2023

No image (yet).

Following the winner as they complete a £10,000 commission to paint conservationist Jane Goodall, which is then unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery.

Best Of

Episode: 9x11 | Airdate: Dec 13, 2023

No image (yet).

Look back on the best moments from the tenth season of Portrait Artist of the Year.

Try 30 days of free premium.