Mary Berry to sit for new series of Portrait Artist Of The Year

TV cook Dame Mary Berry is to sit as a subject for the new series of Portrait Artist Of The Year.

The former Great British Bake Off judge will be one of many well-known faces to be immortalised by emerging artists competing for the 2025 title and cash prize.

Succession actor Brian Cox, Bridgerton actress Adjoa Andoh, former Boyzone star Shane Lynch and astronaut Tim Peake will all sit for the 12th series of the show, along with broadcasters Gabby Logan and Clara Amfo.

Rivals star Emily Atack, The Gentleman actor Max Beesley, and TV presenters Alex Jones and James May will also feature, as well as comedian Jack Dee.

The show, which will be broadcast on Sky Arts and streaming service Now from October 1, will be presented by returning host Stephen Mangan.

The competing artists will aim to impress judges Tai-Shan Schierenberg, Kathleen Soriano and Kate Bryan.

The winner will paint mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry, who was awarded the Royal Society’s David Attenborough Award and Lecture 2024.

Phil Edgar-Jones, director of Sky Arts, said: “Our flagship arts competition, Portrait Artist Of The Year, returns for its twelfth series, continuing to celebrate the remarkable talent of artists from across the UK.

“Even after 12 series, we are continually inspired by the extraordinary skill on display.

“With a compelling line-up of sitters, from celebrated national treasures to leading cultural voices – and the chance to secure a prestigious Royal Society commission – this series continues to fly the flag for the arts and celebrate creativity at its best.”

Professor Sheila Rowan, vice president of the Royal Society, said: “For too long women have been underrepresented in science. We need to celebrate the great female role models in science and maths.

“Hannah Fry is an exceptional role model. That’s why we are so pleased to commission her portrait for Portrait Artist Of The Year.”