Season 1
Episode: 1x01 | Airdate: Nov 5, 2013
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.
Episode: 1x02 | Airdate: Nov 12, 2013
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.
Episode: 1x03 | Airdate: Nov 19, 2013
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.
Episode: 1x04 | Airdate: Nov 26, 2013
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.
Episode: 1x05 | Airdate: Dec 3, 2013
The penultimate stage of the competition takes the four finalists to Paris where they have six hours to paint author and model Sophie Dahl.
Episode: 1x06 | Airdate: Dec 10, 2013 (90 min)
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.
Episode: S01 Special | Airdate: Feb 25, 2014 (30 min)
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
Episode: 2x01 | Airdate: Nov 4, 2014
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.
Episode: 2x02 | Airdate: Nov 11, 2014
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.
Episode: 2x03 | Airdate: Nov 18, 2014
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.
Episode: 2x04 | Airdate: Nov 25, 2014
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.
Episode: 2x05 | Airdate: Dec 2, 2014
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.
Episode: 2x06 | Airdate: Dec 9, 2014
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.
Episode: 2x07 | Airdate: Dec 16, 2014
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.
Episode: 2x08 | Airdate: Dec 23, 2014 (90 min)
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.
Episode: 2x09 | Airdate: Dec 30, 2014
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: 3x01 | Airdate: Jan 24, 2017
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: 3x02 | Airdate: Jan 31, 2017
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: 3x03 | Airdate: Feb 7, 2017
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: 3x04 | Airdate: Feb 14, 2017
Actor Trevor Eve, Fortitude star Parminder Nagra and author Ben Okri are the celebrity sitters.
Episode: 3x05 | Airdate: Feb 21, 2017
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: 3x06 | Airdate: Feb 28, 2017
Episode: 3x07 | Airdate: Mar 7, 2017
Episode: 3x08 | Airdate: Mar 14, 2017
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: 3x09 | Airdate: Mar 14, 2017
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
Episode: 4x01 | Airdate: Jan 16, 2018
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.
Episode: 4x02 | Airdate: Jan 23, 2018
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.
Episode: 4x03 | Airdate: Jan 30, 2018
Investigative journalist Ross Kemp, actor Freddie Fox and Broadchurch star Vicky McClure strike a pose for a new group of portrait artists.
Episode: 4x04 | Airdate: Feb 6, 2018
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.
Episode: 4x05 | Airdate: Feb 13, 2018
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.
Episode: 4x06 | Airdate: Feb 20, 2018
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.
Episode: 4x07 | Airdate: Feb 27, 2018
Singer Michael Ball, actor Robert Bathurst and broadcaster Anita Rani are this week's celebrity sitters as the portrait painting competition continues.
Episode: 4x08 | Airdate: Mar 6, 2018
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.
Episode: 4x09 | Airdate: Mar 13, 2018
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.
Episode: 4x10 | Airdate: Mar 20, 2018
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.
Episode: 4x11 | Airdate: Mar 20, 2018
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.
Episode: S04 Special | Airdate: Dec 18, 2018
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
Episode: 5x01 | Airdate: Feb 12, 2019
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.
Episode: 5x02 | Airdate: Feb 19, 2019
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.
Episode: 5x03 | Airdate: Feb 26, 2019
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.
Episode: 5x04 | Airdate: Mar 5, 2019
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.
Episode: 5x05 | Airdate: Mar 12, 2019
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.
Episode: 5x06 | Airdate: Mar 19, 2019
Nine more hopefuls get just four hours to make their mark on the judges as they paint Nitin Sawhney, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Adrian Lester.
Episode: 5x07 | Airdate: Mar 26, 2019
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.
Episode: 5x08 | Airdate: Apr 2, 2019
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.
Episode: 5x09 | Airdate: Apr 9, 2019
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.
Episode: 5x10 | Airdate: Apr 16, 2019
It's crunch time as the finalists get four nerve-wrecking hours to paint Laura Linney at the National Portrait Gallery.
Episode: 5x11 | Airdate: Apr 16, 2019
Season 6
Episode: 6x01 | Airdate: Jan 21, 2020
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.
Episode: 6x02 | Airdate: Jan 28, 2020
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.
Episode: 6x03 | Airdate: Feb 4, 2020
The contestants are challenged to paint former Strictly judge Len Goodman, rapper Tinie Tempah and actress Harriet Walter. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.
Episode: 6x04 | Airdate: Feb 11, 2020
The contestants are challenged to paint comedian Asim Chaudhry, actor Russell Tovey and actress Doreen Mantle. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.
Episode: 6x05 | Airdate: Feb 18, 2020
The contestants are challenged to paint poet John Cooper Clarke, TV presenter Fearne Cotton and actress Haydn Gwynne. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.
Episode: 6x06 | Airdate: Feb 25, 2020
Episode: 6x07 | Airdate: Mar 3, 2020
Episode: 6x08 | Airdate: Mar 10, 2020
The nine contestants are challenged to paint Deborah Findlay, Wunmi Mosaku and Omid Djalili.
Episode: 6x09 | Airdate: Mar 17, 2020
The semi-final sees the remaining artists attempt to impress the judges with their portraits of musical theatre star Elaine Paige
Episode: 6x10 | Airdate: Mar 24, 2020
The three remaining artists compete in the final, painting poet Lemn Sissay before the winner of the career-changing £10,000 commission is announced.
Episode: 6x11 | Airdate: Mar 31, 2020
Season 7
Episode: 7x01 | Airdate: Oct 14, 2020
Episode: 7x02 | Airdate: Oct 21, 2020
Episode: 7x03 | Airdate: Oct 28, 2020
Episode: 7x04 | Airdate: Nov 4, 2020
Episode: 7x05 | Airdate: Nov 11, 2020
Episode: 7x06 | Airdate: Nov 18, 2020
Episode: 7x07 | Airdate: Nov 25, 2020
Episode: 7x08 | Airdate: Dec 2, 2020
Episode: 7x09 | Airdate: Dec 9, 2020
Episode: 7x10 | Airdate: Dec 16, 2020
The competition reaches its climax as the remaining artists attempt to capture the likeness of comedian, actor and political activist Eddie Izzard.
Episode: 7x11 | Airdate: Dec 16, 2020
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
Episode: 8x01 | Airdate: Oct 13, 2021
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.
Episode: 8x02 | Airdate: Oct 20, 2021
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.
Episode: 8x03 | Airdate: Oct 27, 2021
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.
Episode: 8x04 | Airdate: Nov 3, 2021
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.
Episode: 8x05 | Airdate: Nov 10, 2021
The competition continues as artists create portraits of Kelly Macdonald, Hugh Skinner and Polly Walker. Kathleen Soriano, Tai Shan Schierenberg and Kate Bryan judge.
Episode: 8x06 | Airdate: Nov 17, 2021
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.
Episode: 8x07 | Airdate: Nov 24, 2021
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.
Episode: 8x08 | Airdate: Dec 1, 2021
Episode: 8x09 | Airdate: Dec 8, 2021
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.
Episode: 8x10 | Airdate: Dec 15, 2021
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.
Episode: 8x11 | Airdate: Dec 22, 2021
Following the winner as they complete a £10,000 commission to paint violinist Nicola Benedetti for the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
Episode: 8x12 | Airdate: Dec 22, 2021
Highlights of the eighth series of the competition to find the UK's most talented portrait artist.
Season 9
Episode: S09 Special | Airdate: Apr 13, 2022
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.
Episode: 9x01 | Airdate: Oct 5, 2022
The opening heat of 2022's search gets underway.
Episode: 9x02 | Airdate: Oct 12, 2022
The search continues as the artists create portraits to get the ball rolling in the second heat of 2022's competition.
Episode: 9x03 | Airdate: Oct 19, 2022
Episode: 9x04 | Airdate: Oct 26, 2022
The competition rolls on with the artists creating and presenting portraits to the judges.
Episode: 9x05 | Airdate: Nov 2, 2022
The competition continues at full speed with the artists creating portraits for a new crop of celebrity guests.
Episode: 9x06 | Airdate: Nov 9, 2022
Three new celebrity guests stand before the artists as they produce portraits in a bid to catch the judges' eyes.
Episode: 9x07 | Airdate: Nov 16, 2022
A set of new celebrities enter the fore as the painters put their artistic flair to the test.
Episode: 9x08 | Airdate: Nov 23, 2022
The semi-final stage arrives as the contestants create portraits of the acclaimed singer Rebecca Ferguson
Episode: 9x09 | Airdate: Nov 30, 2022
The contestants arrive at the final hurdle, tasked with creating portraits of the former Deputy Chief Medical Officer.
Episode: 9x10 | Airdate: Dec 7, 2022
The competition winner's £10,000 prize is to paint a portrait of Sir Lenny Henry for London's National Gallery's permanent collection.
Episode: 9x11 | Airdate: Dec 14, 2022
Look back on the best moments from the ninth season of Portrait Artist of the Year.
Episode: S09 Special | Airdate: Dec 21, 2022
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.
Season 10
Episode: S10 Special | Airdate: Jun 21, 2023
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.
Episode: S10 Special | Airdate: Oct 4, 2023 (90 min)
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.
Episode: 10x01 | Airdate: Oct 11, 2023
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.
Episode: 10x02 | Airdate: Oct 18, 2023
Nine more contestants take part in the second heat of the competition, where the celebrity sitters are Jay Rayner, Nihal Arthanayake and Susanna Reid.
Episode: 10x03 | Airdate: Oct 25, 2023
Nine more artists are challenged with creating portraits of one of celebrity sitters Rory Stewart, Ainsley Harriott and Rob Delaney.
Episode: 10x04 | Airdate: Nov 1, 2023
A set of new celebrities strike a pose as the painters put their artistic flair to the test.
Episode: 10x05 | Airdate: Nov 8, 2023
Three new guests strike a pose as the artists produce portraits to catch the eye of the judges.
Episode: 10x06 | Airdate: Nov 15, 2023
Josh Widdicombe, Nicky Spence, Shirley Ballas: A set of new celebrities enter the fore as the painters put their artistic flair to the test.
Episode: 10x07 | Airdate: Nov 22, 2023
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.
Episode: 10x08 | Airdate: Nov 29, 2023
The semi-final stage arrives as the contestants create portraits of Spice Girls star Emma Bunton, with only three artists progressing to the final.
Episode: 10x09 | Airdate: Dec 6, 2023
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.
Episode: 10x10 | Airdate: Dec 6, 2023
Following the winner as they complete a £10,000 commission to paint conservationist Jane Goodall, which is then unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery.
Episode: 10x11 | Airdate: Dec 13, 2023
Look back on the best moments from the tenth season of Portrait Artist of the Year.
Season 11
Episode: 11x01 | Airdate: Oct 9, 2024
To open this year's competition, we welcome actress, singer and all round national treasure Hannah Waddingham, along with veteran TV presenter Richard Madeley and Slow Horses star Saskia Reeves, to sit for our first round of artists.
Episode: 11x02 | Airdate: Oct 16, 2024
A fresh round of artists look to impress our judges in the second heat of this series, joined by this week's celebrity sitters - actress and star of The Good Wife Cush Jumbo, Senegalese singer and guitarist Baaba Mal, and classically trained singer Carly Paoli.
Episode: 11x03 | Airdate: Oct 23, 2024
Stephen Mangan invites artists to paint celebrity sitters Dan Snow, Layton Williams and Steven Frayne as Tai Shan Schierenberg, Kathleen Soriano and Kate Bryan judge the efforts.
Episode: 11x04 | Airdate: Oct 30, 2024
Stephen Mangan invites artists to paint celebrity sitters Rosie Jones, Linton Kewsi Johnson and Andy Cole. Tai Shan Schierenberg, Kathleen Soriano and Kate Bryan judge the efforts.
Episode: 11x05 | Airdate: Nov 6, 2024
Stephen Mangan invites artists to paint celebrity sitters Lucy Worsley, Ricky Hatton and Musa Motha as Tai Shan Schierenberg, Kathleen Soriano and Kate Bryan judge the efforts.
Episode: 11x06 | Airdate: Nov 13, 2024
Stephen Mangan invites artists to paint celebrity sitters Jill Scott, Jimi Famurewa and Lyall Hakaraia as Tai Shan Schierenberg, Kathleen Soriano and Kate Bryan judge the efforts.
Episode: 11x07 | Airdate: Nov 20, 2024
Stephen Mangan invites artists to paint celebrity sitters Heather Mills, Kevin McCloud and Martha Kearney. Tai Shan Schierenberg, Kathleen Soriano and Kate Bryan judge the efforts.
Episode: 11x08 | Airdate: Nov 27, 2024
The final heat sees Stephen Mangan inviting artists to paint celebrity sitters Rebecca Taylor, Emma Thynn and Karan Rajan as Tai Shan Schierenberg, Kathleen Soriano and Kate Bryan judge their efforts.
Episode: 11x09 | Airdate: Dec 4, 2024
Episode: 11x10 | Airdate: Dec 11, 2024
It's the grand final of the 2024 competition, where the top three finalists will battle for the title by capturing the essence of one of Britain's most iconic acting duos, Andy Serkis and Lorraine Ashbourne. Once the paint has dried, our judges will crown this year's winner, who along with the prestigious title of Portrait Artist of the Year, will earn a £10,000 commission to create a portrait of renowned broadcaster Lorraine Kelly to be exhibited at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait – with our cameras following their creative process.
Episode: 11x11 | Airdate: Dec 11, 2024
Following the winner as they complete a £10,000 commission to paint a portrait of TV presenter Lorraine Kelly.
Episode: 11x12 | Airdate: Dec 18, 2024
A look back at the most memorable moments from the 11th series of the competition presented by Stephen Mangan.