The finalists unveil one last portrait before the judges enter tense discussions over the winner.
Winner Nick Lord plans, paints and unveils his $14,500 commission to capture Booker Prize-winning author Hilary Mantel for the British Library.
Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell begin their hunt for the Portrait Artist of the Year. Heat one sees artists paint sitters including Sol Campbell against the clock.
More artists put their nerves and artistic flair to the test as they paint celebrities including Julian Fellowes in Edinburgh; with Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell.
Frank Skinner, Joan Bakewell, and the judges move the competition to Wales where 12 gifted artists get just four hours to paint celebrities including Greg Davies.
In London, 12 artists attempt to impress the judges by capturing celebrities, including Jilly Cooper; one contestant uses tapestry to depict Melvyn Bragg.
Joan Bakewell
Host
Stephen Mangan
Frank Skinner
Susannah Farrow
Producer
Mark Gatiss
Guest Star