Students given sneak preview of new Glow Up series at exclusive BBC event

May 2025

Students given sneak preview of new Glow-up series at exclusive BBC event

By Sean Madden

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Read time: approx 4 mins

Creative industries students were given an exclusive chance to view the first episode of the new series of a hit make-up show, and meet some of its stars, as TV glamour visited University College Birmingham.

Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-up Star, which is about to begin its seventh series, features eight contestants who each week are judged by industry professionals across a series of tasks, with the goal of discovering the next generation of top make-up artists.

The show was brought out on the road by producers with the aim of giving young people an insight into what goes on behind the scenes, and advice and tips on building a career.

With alumnus Shania Parris winning series six, University College Birmingham has strong links to the show and foundations in beauty and the creative industries, and the department was delighted to welcome students from across the Midlands to meet special guests – including the show’s presenter Leomie Anderson, producer Leah Caffrey and series seven contestant Rahual Das.

Leading the event, Guranisha Randhawa from BBC Asian Network stoked anticipation before showing the episode. She told the audience: “Of course you’re all fans of the show, but even if you weren’t, today will hopefully give you a great insight into what it takes to succeed in the industry, from people like Rahual who’ve been where you are now.”

“We want to show you that if you’re passionate about your work and stick at it, anything can happen.”

After the screening of the yet-to-air series opener, the audience had the chance to quiz Leah, Rahual and Leomie. Students asked for advice on finding their way in the industry, and technical questions on style and application.

The panel also shared memories of their favourite moments while filming the show, and discussed how they each came to work in TV.

Leah shared her thoughts on how Glow-up had changed over time, and linked the importance of keeping up with trends in fashion, social media, and marketing in TV production to successfully working in the creative industries generally. She also discussed the show’s application process.

When quizzed on whether it was crucial to become involved in creative work early on in life, Rahual stressed: “It isn’t as rigid as other careers, the age that people get into it can vary massively and there’s a huge age range – even within the show this season.”

“More important is a love of what you do – and that’s something you clearly all have.”

As the questions continued to flow from the assembled students, Rahual presented a make-up masterclass where he recreated his celestial, galaxy-inspired look from the show.

At the same time, two students from the Hair and Make-up Business Management BA (Hons)* course, Quin Fishwick and Siyon Stanley Carvalho, replicated the ‘face-off’ challenge made famous on the show itself, as each had to create a perfect 1960s-style cut crease eye in fifteen minutes or less.

As the Q&A wrapped up, Leomie told students: “You might have an idea of what you want to be and that’s great, but life isn’t linear, so if things don’t happen as quickly as you’d like or you don’t feel you’re hitting the markers you want to, don’t worry about it. Everyone moves at their own pace, and you’ll all find that out.”

“Follow your passion, find your voice and don’t let anyone else decide your value. Learn your own self-worth, and you’ll go far.”

Find out about our courses in the creative industries.

If you have completed an undergraduate degree, find out about our Prosthetics for Film and Television MA

*Formerly Specialist Hair and Media Make-up BA (Hons)