Portrait Artist of The Year

The first programme in a brand new series, hosted by Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell, comes from The Wallace Collection in central London.

The second programme in the series, hosted by Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell, comes from the stunning atrium of the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. This week's sitters are actress and impressionist Ronni Ancona, Downton Abbey writer Lord Julian Fellowes and DameHelena Kennedy QC.

Twelve artists are divided into three groups of four to paint 'This Life' actress Daniela Nardini, songwriter and ex Spandau Ballet member GaryKemp, and 'Ugly Betty' and 'Extras' actress, Ashley Jensen.

This week's programme comes from the Senedd in Cardiff. Sitting for 12 new artists are comedian and actor Greg Davies, Paralympian and Broadcaster Ade Adepitan and multi skilled sportswoman Non Evans.

This week's programme returns to the Wallace Collection in Central London. The sitters are author Jilly Cooper, broadcaster Melvyn Bragg and Outnumbered actor, Daniel Roche.

The final programme in the series comes from the Museum of Modern Art in Dublin. This week's sitters are singer/songwriter of The Divine ComedyNeil Hannon, Star Trek actor Colm Meaney and violinist Sharon Corr.

After 6 heats we've reached the semi-final of this remarkable competition. Painting within the hallowed walls of Life Drawing Room at the RoyalAcademy of Arts Schools in London the 7 semi finalists face their most daunting challenge yet; a double portrait.

For their ultimate challenge the finalists must face the pressure of painting the portrait of the one of the world's most famous actors, Sir IanMcKellen.

The final instalment of Portrait Artist of The Year follows the winning artist taking on the prize commission - painting a multi award-winning actor for the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.