Portrait Artist of the Year

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.