Let’s sparkle and find our next make-up star

In these restrictive times, Stacey Dooley is finding it difficult to carry out her day job as a roving investigative reporter – but she’s keeping herself busy nevertheless.

Since the pandemic struck she’s hosted Lockdown Heroes, in which she meets – remotely, of course – those who are going above and beyond to help people less fortunate than themselves, as well as Secrets of the Square, the EastEnders spin-off sating our appetite for all things Walford while the soap is off-air.

And now she’s back on the box again. Okay, so the second series of Glow Up was shot before anybody had even heard of coronavirus, and it’s already been available on BBC Three, but for many of us, this will be our first glimpse of the show.

Those who caught last year’s debut series will be well aware of the format – as with Sewing Bee, Bake Off and other shows of a similar ilk, several plucky amateurs attempt to prove they’re skilled at their chosen craft by undergoing a variety of challenges under the watchful eye of industry experts.

Each week, the person who has impressed the least is asked to leave, until the final, when the last competitors standing go head-to-head for the title.

Ellis Atlantis from Bradford was the inaugural champion, having impressed with his incredible designs and ability to work well with clients, photographers and stylists. But who will follow in his glamorous footsteps?

As the show has been available online for a while, it would be easy to do a quick internet search and find out, but that would spoil all the fun. Instead, sit back and enjoy this creative adventure unfold.

In tonight’s opening episode, Dooley introduces judges Val Garland and Dominic Skinner to a new set of make-up artists (or MUAs as those in the trade call them).

“I’m really proud of Glow Up,” says Dooley. “Obviously the tone of it is different to what I’m used to working on, but the MUAs are so talented. They’re kids who might not be given this opportunity otherwise. And so naturally, sort of instinctively, you’re behind them and you’re on their side. It’s my job to make sure they feel comfortable and supported.

“I feel like in the second series everyone’s found their feet. It’s always exciting doing a first – we were all getting to know each other, building up a rapport. But by series two everyone feels a lot comfier – there were existing friendships and relationships. It feels a bit slicker, more sophisticated.”

And what about this year’s competitors?

“The make up artists are brilliant. They have really upped it and produced some brilliant work. Val and Dom really work together, they have both got so much to offer and to say. They are invaluable. It’s nice to be together again and the three of us get on so well.”

Garland and Skinner are joined for one night by guest judge Min Sandhu, who looks on as the competitors take part in their first challenge, which involves an advertising campaign for a sportswear retailer.

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