All Seasons

Season 1

  • S01E01 London

    • November 5, 2013
    • Sky Arts

    Joan Bakewell and Frank Skinner begin their search for Sky Arts' Portrait Artist of the Year in London, where artists are asked to paint stars such as Alison Steadman.

  • S01E02 Glasgow

    • November 12, 2013
    • Sky Arts

    Frank Skinner, Joan Bakewell and the judges head to Glasgow as 21 competitors capture celebrity sitters including actor John Hannah and paralympian Michael Kerr.

  • S01E03 Dublin

    • November 19, 2013
    • Sky Arts

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

  • S01E04 Cardiff

    • November 16, 2013
    • Sky Arts

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

  • S01E05 Paris

    • December 3, 2013
    • Sky Arts

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

  • S01E06 National Portrait Gallery

    • December 10, 2013
    • Sky Arts

    The finalists unveil one last portrait before the judges enter tense discussions over the winner. Who will be crowed Portrait Artist of the Year 2013?

  • Episodic Special

    SPECIAL 0x9 Painting Hilary Mantel

    • December 17, 2013

    Join the winning artist as they plan, paint and unveil their £10,000 commission to capture Booker Prize-winning author Hilary Mantel for the British Library.

Season 2

  • S02E01 Sol Campbell, John Humphrys and Maisie Williams

    • October 4, 2014
    • Sky Arts

    Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell begin their hunt for the Portrait Artist of the Year. Heat one sees artists paint sitters Sol Campbell, John Humphrys and Maisie Williams against the clock.

  • S02E02 Julian Fellowes, Ronni Ancona and Helena Kennedy

    • November 11, 2014
    • Sky Arts

    More artists put their nerves and artistic flair to the test as they paint celebrities Julian Fellowes, Ronni Ancona and Helena Kennedy QC in Edinburgh. With Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell.

  • S02E03 Gary Kemp, Daniela Nardini and Ashley Jensen

    • November 18, 2014
    • Sky Arts

    Artists in Scotland paint Gary Kemp, Daniela Nardini and Ashley Jensen. An incredibly close heat means there's a twist in store. With Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell.

  • S02E04 Non Evans, Ade Adepitan and Greg Davies

    • November 25, 2014
    • Sky Arts

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

  • S02E05 Jilly Cooper, Melvyn Bragg and Daniel Roche

    • December 2, 2014
    • Sky Arts

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

  • S02E06 Neil Hannon, Sharon Corr and Colm Meaney

    • December 9, 2014
    • Sky Arts

    Artists vie for the final place in the semi-final by painting Sharon Corr, The Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon and actor Colm Meaney in Dublin. With Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell.

  • S02E07 Richard Dawkins and Sally Hitchiner

    • December 16, 2014
    • Sky Arts

    The seven semi-finalists battle for a place in the final by painting a double portrait of Richard Dawkins and Sally Hitchiner. With Joan Bakewell and Frank Skinner.

  • S02E08 Sir Ian McKellen

    • December 23, 2014
    • Sky Arts

    It's crunch time as the three finalists get four nerve-wracking hours to paint The Hobbit actor Sir Ian McKellen. Who will the judges crown the competition winner?

  • Episodic Special

    SPECIAL 0x10 Painting Alan Cumming

    • December 30, 2014

    Join the 2014 winner as they plan, paint and unveil their £10,000 commission to paint actor Alan Cumming for the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Season 3

  • S03E01 Stanley Tucci, Indira Varma and Freddie Highmore

    • January 24, 2017
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S03E02 Sue Perkins, Richard E Grant and Nina Sosanya

    • January 31, 2017
    • Sky Arts

    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?

  • S03E03 James Norton, Raleigh Ritchie and Lesley Manville

    • February 7, 2017
    • Sky Arts

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

  • S03E04 Trevor Eve, Parminder Nagra and Ben Okri

    • February 14, 2017
    • Sky Arts

    Actor Trevor Eve, Fortitude star Parminder Nagra and author Ben Okri are the celebrity sitters this week as a new group of artists attempt to impress the judges.

  • S03E05 Rick Wakeman, Dave Myers and Katie Kissoon

    • February 21, 2017
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S03E06 Adrian Chiles, Sian Phillips and Phil Davis

    • February 28, 2017
    • Sky Arts

    Broadcaster Adrian Chiles, actress Sian Phillips and actor Phil Davis sit for a group of portrait artists this week. Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell host.

  • S03E07 Imelda Staunton

    • March 7, 2017
    • Sky Arts

    The six heat winners arrive for the semi-final where celebrity sitter Imelda Staunton awaits. The pressure is on as only three artists will be chosen for the final.

  • S03E08 Tom Courtenay

    • March 14, 2017
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S03E09 Painting Graham Norton

    • March 14, 2017
    • Sky Arts

    This special film joins the Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2017 as they collect a £10,000 commission to paint broadcaster Graham Norton.

Season 4

  • S04E01 David Tennant, Michaela Coel, James Morrison

    • January 16, 2018
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S04E02 Noel Fielding, Reggie Yates, Daphne Selfe

    • January 23, 2018
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S04E03 Ross Kemp, Freddie Fox, Vicky McClure

    • January 30, 2018
    • Sky Arts

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

  • S04E04 Rachel Hunter, Stefanie Martini, Conleth Hill

    • February 6, 2018
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S04E05 Elizabeth McGovern, Fiona Shaw, Kadeena Cox

    • February 13, 2018
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S04E06 Kenneth Cranham, Claire Skinner and Sope Dirisu

    • February 20, 2018
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S04E07 Michael Ball, Robert Bathurst, Anita Rani

    • February 27, 2018
    • Sky Arts

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

  • S04E08 Meera Syal, Derek Jacobi, Kirsty Wark

    • March 6, 2018
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S04E09 Semi Final: Lily Cole and Simon Callow

    • March 13, 2018
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S04E10 Final: Main Sitter, Emeli Sande

    • March 20, 2018
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S04E11 The Winner's Story

    • March 20, 2018
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • Episodic Special

    SPECIAL 0x1 Celebrity Portrait Artist of the Year

    • December 17, 2018

    Comedians Jim Moir (aka Vic Reeves), Joe Lycett, Josie Long and Phill Jupitus are joined by actress Maureen Lipman and meteorologist Tomasz Schafernaker as they put their artistic skills to the test as they paint portraits of actor Billy Howle, author Howard Jacobson and entrepreneur Kanya King.Sky Arts

Season 5

  • S05E01 Matthew Goode, Geraldine James & Andi Oliver

    • February 12, 2019
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S05E02 David Gandy, Anne Reid & Ashley Walters

    • February 19, 2019
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S05E03 Eddie Hall, Jodie Kidd & James Purefoy

    • February 26, 2019
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S05E04 Anna Chancellor, Stephen Graham & Beverley Knight

    • March 5, 2019
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S05E05 Georgina Campbell, Mark Gatiss & Tanni Grey-Thompson

    • March 12, 2019
    • Sky Arts

    A new 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.

  • S05E06 Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Adrian Lester & Nitin Sawhney

    • March 19, 2019
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S05E07 Angela Griffin, Gina McKee & Jamael Westman

    • March 26, 2019
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S05E08 Jodie Comer, Daniel Lismore & Nick Moran

    • April 2, 2019
    • Sky Arts

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

  • S05E09 Courtney Pine

    • April 9, 2019
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S05E10 Final: Laura Linney

    • April 16, 2019
    • Sky Arts

    Who will scoop the life-changing prize? It's crunch time as the finalists get four nerve-wrecking hours to paint Laura Linney at the National Portrait Gallery.

  • S05E11 Winner's Film: Tom Jones

    • April 16, 2019
    • Sky Arts

    Join this year's winner as they plan, paint and unveil their £10,000 commission of music legend Tom Jones for the National Museum of Wales.

  • Episodic Special

    SPECIAL 0x2 Celebrity Portrait Artist of the Year 2019

    • December 17, 2019

    James Fleet, Anneka Rice, Mark Gatiss, Fenella Woolgar and Jenny Eclair try their hands at painting a portrait, with Denise Lewis, Laurence Fox and Martha Plimpton the sitters.

Season 6

  • S06E01 Asa Butterfield, Micky Flanagan, Anjli Mohindra

    • January 21, 2020
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S06E02 Trevor Nelson, Noel Clarke, Ashley Roberts

    • January 28, 2020
    • Sky Arts

    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.

  • S06E03 Len Goodman, Tinie Tempah, Harriet Walter

    • February 4, 2020
    • Sky Arts

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

  • S06E04 Asim Chaudhry, Russell Tovey, Doreen Mantle

    • February 11, 2020
    • Sky Arts

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

  • S06E05 John Cooper Clarke, Fearne Cotton, Haydn Gwynne

    • February 18, 2020
    • Sky Arts

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

  • S06E06 Ricky Wilson, Adrian Dunbar, Zawe Ashton

    • February 25, 2020
    • Sky Arts

    Nine more artists try to wow the judges with their portraits of three celebrity sitters.

  • S06E07 Ken Stott, Mike Leigh, Lydia Leonard

    • March 3, 2020
    • Sky Arts

    Nine artists prep their brushes as they attempt to create the best portrait.

  • S06E08 Deborah Findlay, Wunmi Mosaku, Omid Djalili

    • March 10, 2020
    • Sky Arts

    Nine more artists look to impress the judges in the last heat before the semi-final.

  • S06E09 Elaine Paige

    • March 17, 2020
    • Sky Arts

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

  • S06E10 Lemn Sissay

    • March 24, 2020
    • Sky Arts

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

  • S06E11 Nile Rodgers

    • March 31, 2020
    • Sky Arts

    A film following the winner of the competition as they plan, paint and unveil a commissioned portrait of musician, producer and Chic co-founder Nile Rodgers. Last in the series.

Season 7

  • S07E01 Ncuti Gatwa, Lady Glenconner, Fay Ripley

    • October 14, 2020
    • Sky Arts

    Ncuti Gatwa, Lady Glenconner, Fay Ripley: In this first heat, nine artists create portraits while Kathleen Soriano, Tai Shan Schierenberg and Kate Bryan judge.

  • S07E02 Sir Trevor McDonald, Mirren Mack, The Vivienne

    • October 21, 2020
    • Sky Arts

    Contestants have just four hours to paint one of three very famous faces in the second heat.

  • S07E03 Deborah James, Eamonn Walker, Melanie Sykes

    • October 28, 2020
    • Sky Arts

    The third heat gets underway as nine artists have just four hours to create a celebrity portrait that will blow the judges away.

  • S07E04 Ray BLK, James Nesbitt, Pam Hogg

    • November 4, 2020
    • Sky Arts

    As the fourth heat kicks off, musician Ray BLK, actor James Nesbit and designer Pam Hogg all pose for portraits.

  • S07E05 Robert Rinder, Katie Piper, Don Letts

    • November 11, 2020
    • Sky Arts

    The fifth heat gets underway with three more famous faces sitting down for portraits and nine artists hoping to impress the judges.

  • S07E06 Eddie Marsan, Sian Clifford, Paul Mescal

    • November 18, 2020
    • Sky Arts

    Actors including BAFTA winner Sian Clifford sit down for portraits, as nine artists shoot their shot in the sixth heat.

  • S07E07 David Haig, Jordan Stephens, Jane Horrocks

    • November 25, 2020
    • Sky Arts

    The artists have four hours to create stunning portraits of this weeks' celebrity guests. Who will impress the judges?

  • S07E08 Kwame Kwei-Armah, Katherine Grainger, Fred Sirieix

    • December 2, 2020
    • Sky Arts

    Nine artists must paint one of three special guests in a bid to impress the judges.

  • S07E09 Bernardine Evaristo

    • December 9, 2020
    • Sky Arts

    The semi-final kicks off at Battersea Art Centre's Grand Hall, where the artists gear up to paint a Booker prize-winning novelist.

  • S07E10 Eddie Izzard

    • December 16, 2020
    • Sky Arts

    Just three artists remain, and they have four hours to create a portrait of the renowned actor. They also unveil their paintings of family and friends.

  • S07E11 Carlos Acosta

    • December 16, 2020
    • Sky Arts

    From 1000 applicants and 8 semi-finalists, it all comes down to this. This year's winner prepares to paint iconic Cuban ballet star Carlos Acosta.

Season 8

Season 9

Season 10

  • S10E01 Celebrities v Kids Special

    • June 21, 2023
    • Sky Arts

    Celebrity artists paint alongside six kids, selected as part of Sky Arts Access All Arts initiative.

  • Episodic Special

    SPECIAL 0x8 Portrait Artist of the Decade

    • October 4, 2023
    • Sky Arts

    In this special, the last nine winners return to the Battersea Arts Centre to paint one of Britain's best-loved personalities - in the space of just four hours.

  • S10E02 Richard Curtis, Emma Freud, Fleur East

    • October 11, 2023
    • Sky Arts

    In the first heat of 2023's search, a new crop of artists look to impress the judges with a portrait of one of three well-known faces.

  • S10E03 Jay Rayner, Nihal Arthanayake, Susanna Reid

    • October 18, 2023
    • Sky Arts

    In this second heat, the competition continues and the pressure mounts as the nine artists are challenged to create a portrait of one of three celebrities.

  • S10E04 Rory Stewart, Ainsley Harriott, Rob Delaney

    • October 25, 2023
    • Sky Arts

    The competition rolls on as the artists are challenged with creating portraits of three new celebrity guests.

  • S10E05 Sue Barker, Alan Titchmarsh, Philippa Perry

    • November 1, 2023
    • Sky Arts

    A set of new celebrities strike a pose as the painters put their artistic flair to the test.

  • S10E06 Nigel Havers, Mishal Husain, Vanessa Kingori

    • November 8, 2023
    • Sky Arts

    Three new guests strike a pose as the artists produce portraits to catch the eye of the judges.

  • S10E07 Josh Widdicombe, Nicky Spence, Shirley Ballas

    • November 15, 2023
    • Sky Arts

    A set of new celebrities enter the fore as the painters put their artistic flair to the test.

  • S10E08 Joe Sugg, Daryl McCormack, Lenny Rush

    • November 22, 2023
    • Sky Arts

    Three new celebrity guests take centre stage as the artists produce portraits to catch the eye of the judges.

  • S10E09 Emma Bunton

    • November 29, 2023
    • Sky Arts

    The semi-final stage arrives as the contestants create portraits of Spice Girls icon Emma Bunton. Only three artists can progress to the final.

  • S10E10 Joan Bakewell

    • December 6, 2023
    • Sky Arts

    Just three artists remain in the running to become the 10th Portrait Artist of the Year. It all hangs in the balance as they paint Dame Joan Bakewell.

  • S10E11 Winners Story

    • December 6, 2023
    • Sky Arts

    The winner embarks on their £10,000 prize commission to create a portrait of Dr Jane Goodall for the National Portrait Gallery.

  • S10E12 Best of

    • December 13, 2023
    • Sky Arts

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