logo
Marks & Spencer to host second season of ‘Dress The Nation'

Marks & Spencer to host second season of ‘Dress The Nation'

Fashion United2 days ago
British department store Marks & Spencer has said it is bringing its TV show, 'M&S: Dress The Nation', back for a second season, this time round with a focus on womenswear and menswear.
Hosted by AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay, the debut edition of the ITV1 and ITVX series was said to have been watched by eight million viewers last year, underlining its popularity. As such, Marks & Spencer is bringing it back this autumn with another five 60-minute episodes during which a new search to find the 'UK's very best emerging designers' will take place.
Throughout the episodes, nine candidates, ranging from ages 22 to 59, will be tasked with design-centric challenges in order to have a chance of winning a mentorship with Marks & Spencer. The winner will also have the opportunity to have their designs sold in select Marks & Spencer stores and via its online site for the AW25 season.
Maddy Evans, head of M&S Woman, and Mitch Hughes, menswear director, will return to the judging panel alongside a selection of brand ambassadors, celebrity judges and leading fashion designers. Each week, the panel will oversee the various challenges set for the contestants, who will either work individually or as a group to create garments for the Marks & Spencer customer.
This year's winner will join David Olaniyi, who won the series last year and has since been working in the retailer's Menswear Design team. In a statement, Olaniyi said winning 'Dress The Nation' changed his life, and being a part of the team has opened his eyes as to how the retail industry operates.
He added: 'From speaking with suppliers to working closely with the merchandising and buying teams, the experience has helped me nurture my craft and opened up a realm of possibilities for the future. I can't wait to see how the contestants get on this year.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

‘I'm a shopping writer and these are the holiday clothes I'd buy for under £30'
‘I'm a shopping writer and these are the holiday clothes I'd buy for under £30'

Daily Mirror

time8 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

‘I'm a shopping writer and these are the holiday clothes I'd buy for under £30'

From comfy denim shorts to a shell print dress, here are my top picks As a fashion writer it's my day job to scour the high street for the best clothing buys, finding everything from the denim shorts with the most flattering fit to comfy yet chic wedding guest dresses. Knowing what to buy for a holiday can be tricky, especially if you have limited space in your suitcase, plus the cost of a new holiday haul can add up. Since I shop for a living, I've rounded up some of my favourite buys that I'd snap up if I was jetting off somewhere sunny soon rather than getting caught in downpours in good old Blighty. Is that Ibiza I hear calling my name? From pretty warm weather dresses to practical yet stylish summer shoes and bags, I've compiled a list of my favourite high street finds. The best bit? They all cost £30 or less. Boden Belle Broderie Sleeve Top - £22 (originally £44) Boden's Belle Broderie Sleeve Top is now 50% off and is a great basic to take in your holiday suitcase. It's essentially a staple white top that'll go with all manner of pieces from denim shorts to maxi skirts, but the frill sleeves give it a dressier feel than your standard vest or tee. One Boden shopper who purchased the top said: "Beautiful colour, great design - nice bit of fabric under the sleeve to ensure your bra isn't on show! Nice touch - cleverly thought out." One reviewer did have reservations about the top's shoulder detail, writing: "I loved the colour, but unfortunately the shoulders were just too wide and looked odd so I had to return." The top, which is also available in four other colours, is super versatile and its 100% cotton material means it'll be breathable in the heat. New Look Navy Shell Print Satin V-Neck Midi Dress - £22 (originally £37) You can't go wrong with shell and lobster print which are huge news this summer. As a neutral girl I tend to steer clear of anything too bright, so I love that this New Look Navy Shell Print Satin V-Neck Midi Dress comes in a darker hue. The Dress is perfect for summer evenings thanks to the figure skimming fit and flutter sleeves that add a feminine touch. I'd style the dress with a straw clutch bag and some strappy sandals. Whilst I really love the design of this dress, I reckon that the cut on the bust area may come up small if you have a fuller bust. That being said, I like that the dress has small sleeves which is handy if you're conscious of your arms. Marks and Spencer Woven Top Handle Shopper - £25 M&S do an amazing selection of bags, and this woven top handle shopper works great for holidays thanks to its roomy interior and beachy straw-like material. It's also available in pink if you fancy adding a pop of colour to your wardrobe, but personally I like that the neutral hue goes with anything. One shopper who purchased the bag from M&S said: "Excellent bag. Good quality, comfortable strap, very pleased." Another did mention they'd found the bag a little irritating to use, writing: "Ok bag for the price. A little too big for me and has an inside cotton bag that is not fixed, so slips around and needs sewing in." Despite this, I think it's a good all-rounder for summer, especially if you've only got room in your suitcase for one bag. H&M White Linen Shirt - £28 A linen shirt is a summer staple and will work harder than most other things in your wardrobe. Wear it buttoned up with denim shorts for a day out exploring, or wear it over a bikini as a cover-up, the possibilities are endless. This white Linen Shirt from H&M is made from 100% linen meaning it'll be breathable in sticky weather. One customer who purchased the shirt did say as part of their review: "The fabric does have a slightly stiff/scratchy feel but hoping it softens up with wear and washing. I'm also hoping it doesn't shrink when I wash it!" Despite this, the shirt has a 4.7 average star rating out of a possible five on H&M's website. One happy purchaser said 'This is the best linen shirt I have ever owned.' ASOS Design Soft Denim Pull On Short - £22 These ASOS Design soft pull on shorts are a great alternative for when it's too warm to wear rigid denim. Thanks to the lightweight material, these shorts give the same vibe as their more structured denim counterparts but are much comfier. The shorts, which are available in UK sizes 10-18, can also be purchased with a matching top for £24, giving you a co-ord that can also be worn as separates when teamed with other items in your wardrobe. The only drawback I can see with these denim shorts is that they don't seem to have a drawstring detail at the front, only a stretch panel at the back. Next High Neck Essential Shaping Swimsuit - £18 Next's High Neck Essential Shaping Swimsuit is available in a staple black colour or a blue patterned print. The classic design looks chic and shoppers love the costume as it comes in both regular and petite sizes. One said: "Excellent quality and brilliant to be able to buy a petite costume. Please could you do it in other colours." One thing to note is that one customer felt the material was 'see-through' whilst another said it was 'too thin.' Despite this, a different customer was pleased with the fit and price tag, writing: "Fits perfect and the material looks great, definitely recommend. The price is affordable." PLT Square Toe Thong Flat Sandals - £16 A staple pair of black sandals will see you through many a holiday look and the gold toned detail on these Square Toe Thong Sandals adds a chic touch. The sandals are available in UK shoe sizes 3-8 and also come in white. One slight drawback I can see with these shoes is that the thong toe could potentially be a little uncomfortable for those who aren't used to it, but I love the barely-there design. Mango Draped Shirt Dress - £23 (originally £50) Ideal for a city break or beach holiday evenings, this Mango Draped Shirt Dress features a flattering draped detail that gives it a figure-hugging shape without being uncomfortable. I'd keep the look simple and team this gorgeous dress with white shoes and a straw bag. Whilst I love the cut of this dress, if you're fuller busted I think it could mean the dress may gape at the chest if you want it cinched round the waist. However, I do think the dress is a classic and won't date, meaning you could dig it out year after year. Amazon Reoria Thong Bodysuit - £20 There's little worse than wearing a bra during sweaty weather so I love this Amazon Reoria Bodysuit for warmer wdays. It has a thong detail so it won't give a VPL and it has a double lined fabric which makes it supportive. I've tried Reoria bodysuits before and can vouch for their quality. It's currently available in five colours. One shopper said however, that they found the bodysuit 'runs a tad small' though another described it as 'waist smoothing.' I love that the bodysuit can be styled with skirts, shorts, and trousers for maximum wear. New Look Pink Fruit Print Frill Trim Midi Dress - £20 (originally £35) In case you hadn't guessed, I tend to stick to neutral pieces on holiday, but if you like a pop of colour then the fruit print on this Pink Fruit Print Frill Trim Midi Dress from New Look makes it a really fun option. Whether you're hitting up the all inclusive buffet or exploring the local bars, this on-sale dress has been described by one shopper on New Look's website as: "A lovely dress, it's stunning on." Whilst the leg slit may be annoying for some, I like that the dress has an elasticated rear waist for extra comfort.

'One of the smartest shows on television': Your favourite TV spy thrillers
'One of the smartest shows on television': Your favourite TV spy thrillers

Metro

time37 minutes ago

  • Metro

'One of the smartest shows on television': Your favourite TV spy thrillers

Intricate plots, heart-pounding action sequences and bucketfuls of suspense. Just three of the ingredients that make the spy genre so gripping. Amazon Prime Video's new crime thriller, The Assassin, is no exception, having proved popular with critics since landing on the streamer last week. Metro's own TV editor, Sabrina Barr, awarded the series four stars, praising its 'gripping twists' and confessing it had her on the edge of her seat from the very beginning. The series stars Keeley Hawes, who is no stranger to spy thrillers, having previously appeared in Bodyguard and Spooks, as a retired former assassin living in Greece. Her life is turned upside down when her estranged son (played by Freddie Highmore) arrives on the remote island. They soon find themselves on the run, and she is reluctantly drawn back into her former profession. Following the popularity of The Assassin, we asked Metro readers to share more of their favourite TV spy thrillers. From a 'tantalising' limited series to long-running classics, these are the five shows that came highly recommended by our readers… 'I was immediately enraptured by The Assassin's fast-paced action and cleverly choreographed fight sequences, as well as the wry British wit embodied by Julie and Edward as they strive to make something of their awkward relationship. Despite the wild twists and turns of the story, it still feels relatable and grounded at its core. 'Julie's no-nonsense wisecracks are a joy to watch, as is Edward's bumbling nature as he's forced to grapple with his entire world being flipped upside down. While he's the sensible one, his mother lives life on the reckless side – an entertaining subversion of the typical roles played by a parent and child.' Read Sabrina's review in full. Metro readers James Lyddall and Pramuditha Lakshan both recommended The Night Manager, which boasts a star-studded cast including Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, Olivia Colman, Elizabeth Debicki and Tom Hollander. The BBC thriller is based on the 1993 novel of the same name by John le Carré, who is known for his gripping novels about espionage. The critically acclaimed thriller aired on BBC One in 2016, picking up three Golden Globes among many other awards. It follows Jonathan Pine (Hiddleston), a former British soldier working as a hotel night porter, who must infiltrate the inner circle of lethal arms dealer Richard Roper (Laurie). In good news for its many fans, the BBC revealed last year that the spy thriller will be returning for not one but two new series, with Tom Hiddleston reprising his role. The release date for series two has not yet been confirmed. Where to watch: All six episodes of The Night Manager are available to watch on BBC iPlayer and Prime Video. Another award-winning series, The Americans, came highly recommended by Metro readers. Simone Rumfitt and Chathurinda Sumithraarachchi both suggested the series, which is set during the Cold War and follows the marriage of two KGB spies posing as Americans in suburban Washington D.C. Philip (Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth Jennings (Keri Russell) are in an arranged marriage, but their connection soon becomes genuine. As the demands of their job increase, so does the personal toll, and their ability to protect both their cover and their family's safety becomes much more difficult. One reader said of the series, which aired between 2013 and 2018: 'This is a top five favourite show for me, not a single misstep or bad season, just a show that started great and got consistently better season to season and ends perfectly.' Many fans have raved about the ending of The Americans, with one reader hailing it as: 'One of the best series finales ever.' Where to watch: All six seasons of The Americans are available to stream on Channel 4. Unsurprisingly, several Metro readers also praised Apple TV Plus smash hit Slow Horses — and particularly Gary Oldman's performance as the dishevelled and obnoxious Secret Service agent Jackson Lamb. A user calling themselves Green4cl0ver added of the series, which follows a dysfunctional group of MI5 outcasts: 'This is how modern spy shows should be!' The show is so popular that it's already been renewed for a seventh season, even though the fifth instalment is yet to air. Set in modern-day London, the agents, who have been relegated to a run-down office called Slough House, must navigate the smoke and mirrors world of espionage along with their rude and flatulent boss. Slow Horses season five will arrive on Apple TV Plus on September 24. Metro TV reporter Ruth Lawes awarded the latest season of Slow Horses five stars in her review, writing that the show 'should be bigger than Line of Duty'. 'The drama does away with most thriller tropes – from an overabundance of female victims to missing children in backwater towns – and is all the more compelling for it. 'Season 4 takes this up a notch by making the plot, normally what drives any thriller, almost secondary to the characters. 'Despite their various vulgarities, I cried twice during the season because, for the first time in a long time in a crime drama, I actually cared about them. 'It's not just Oldman, who puts in a performance of a lifetime, but the rest of the Slough House misfits I'm rooting for too.' Read Ruth's full review. Where to watch: All four episodes of Slow Horses are available to watch on Apple TV Plus. Elsewhere, Netflix hit The Diplomat was praised by Metro readers as 'one of the smartest shows on television'. The series follows a US diplomat (played by Keri Russell), who juggles her job as ambassador to the United Kingdom with her strained marriage to a political star (Rufus Sewell). As she attempts to defuse international crises and form strategic alliances with other countries, her husband Hal finds it difficult to step out of the spotlight and let his wife shine. And there's more to come, with the series soon returning for a third season. Though the release date is yet to be confirmed, Netflix has said The Diplomat season three is expected to land in Autumn 2025. Where to watch: Both seasons of The Diplomat are available to watch on Netflix. Several readers mentioned BBC series Spooks, which ran for 10 seasons between 2002 and 2011. It follows a group of MI5 operatives who are tasked with keeping Britain safe from organised crime and terrorist activity. Metro reader Val Howard said it's so good that they're rewatching all the old episodes. More Trending The show saw a number of stars make appearances throughout, including The Assassin's Keeley Hawes as well as Matthew Macfadyen, Robert Hardy, Nicola Walker and Hugh Laurie, to name a few. The complex plots and strong characters made Spooks an instant hit for the BBC, with audiences showering praise on the series. Though some viewers at the time criticised the activities of the intelligence officers as unrealistic, audiences in recent years have commented on how relevant some of the storylines are to today. View More » Where to watch: All 10 series of Spooks are available to watch on BBC iPlayer and UKTV. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Channel 4 comedy branded 'a gift' to be greatest comeback of 2025 MORE: 'I'm a TV critic – I'm convinced Netflix's August thriller will blow me away' MORE: TV fans can finally binge 'unmissable' crime drama on free UK streamer

Prince William's unexpected response after Oscar-winning actress's cheeky request
Prince William's unexpected response after Oscar-winning actress's cheeky request

Daily Mirror

time38 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

Prince William's unexpected response after Oscar-winning actress's cheeky request

When one Oscar-winning actress was awarded her damehood at Buckingham Palace, her bold request of Prince William left the royal bashful and laughing Iconic British actress Emma Thompson has had several memorable encounters with Prince William over the years, including being asked to be a presenter at the first annual Earthshot Prize Awards, and a hilarious video call between the unlikely pals. ‌ But arguably the most unforgettable moment they shared happened in 2018, when Thompson was invited to Buckingham Palace to receive her damehood for her outstanding contribution to the arts and entertainment. ‌ Reflecting on the moment while on the press tour for her 2021 film Cruella, she revealed that she cheekily asked William for a kiss. Speaking via a video link, Ms Thompson joked about her unique request to Prince William, who has a knack for forging friendships with A-list film stars, as he handed over her award. ‌ She explained: "Prince William was absolutely fantastic. I wrote him a fan letter afterwards. His face and body language, so kind and generous to every single person. I've known him since he was little really. I've always liked him. "I couldn't believe how tall he'd got. I did say, 'I suppose I better not kiss you' and he said, 'Probably better not.' I asked him about him and he said, 'Will you please stop talking about me, it's about you.' What a nice man." ‌ Both William and Princess Kate had another memorable moment with the actress several years ago, as the Waleses spoke with Emma Thompson and her Cruella co-star Emma Stone in a video call. The group discussed plans to host NHS Charities Together and NHS staff at a unique drive-in cinema screening of the new film at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and got side-tracked as they joked about behind the scenes secrets. Speaking to the couple ahead of the screening, Thompson said: "Wait till you see the clothes, it's unbelievable." Then, gesturing to Kate, the actress said "you're going to want all of Emily's [Emma Stone's] clothes, they're so amazing. Obviously you won't be able to wear them in public but they're so brilliant." ‌ Thompson - who played the role of The Baroness in the film - also shared an excellent story with the royal couple about the time she didn't want to wait in the traffic and decided to travel on the London Underground in her eccentric movie costume. She revealed: 'One day when we were shooting there was a demonstration on in London and our car couldn't get to where we were shooting in Covent Garden so I said we've got to get out and we've got to go by Tube. ‌ "I was in a wig and huge make-up, you'll see my eyelashes, I look like a llama. And we got on the Tube to go to Covent Garden and I thought it's going to be fine, it's 9 o'clock Sunday morning, there won't be anyone on the train. It was rammed, rammed and no-one took the slightest bit of notice, they all clearly thought I was a drag act on the way home!" Kate then asked the pair whether or not Cruella was a fun film to shoot, with Emma Stone revealing: "It was so much fun, we were all over London, we were in front of Liberty. "They transformed Carnaby Street into 70s London which was amazing and then we were in front of Buckingham Palace at one point. I was riding a motorcycle around The Mall." Prince William joked that "we should have had you stopped, Emma, that's very dangerous!"

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store