Portrait Artist of the Year

Twenty one artists paint Juliet Stevenson, Robert Lindsay and Alison Steadman in front of large crowds.

Twenty one artists paint actors John Hannah and Sophie Turner and paralympian Michael Kerr in the second heat.

Twenty one finalists from Ireland paint actors Pauline McLynne and David Rawle and grime artist Lethal Bizzle.

Our four finalists take their portfolios to The Royal Academy to be appraised by our judges.

The three judges are joined by National Portrait Gallery director Sandy Nairne to select an overall winner.

The winner unveils their commission to capture Booker Prize-winning author Hilary Mantel.