Portrait Artist of the Year 2026: Renewal & Cast News

Anyone who has ever watched a contestant nervously mix paint under a ticking clock knows why Portrait Artist of the Year keeps drawing viewers back. The Sky Arts competition is entering a new era with a completely fresh judging team for its 2026 season. This article compiles the confirmed facts, cast changes, and how to watch.

Seven key facts, one pattern: the show is entering a new era with a completely fresh judging team. Here’s what you need to know.

Will there be a Portrait Artist of the Year 2026?

Yes, Sky Arts has officially confirmed that Portrait Artist of the Year will return for a thirteenth series in 2026 (Sky Group press release). The announcement, made in late 2025, describes the upcoming series as a “bold new era” for the programme.

Has Series 13 been announced?

Yes, the call for entries opened on 1 October 2025 and closes on 20 February 2026 (Series 13 terms and conditions). That means production is already in motion. Sky says filming will begin in spring 2026 in London, with the series airing later in 2026 (Sky.com).

When is the next season expected?

Sky’s programme page says no exact air date has been set as of early 2025 (Sky.com programme page). Filming is scheduled for spring 2026, so the season is expected in the second half of 2026.

Where can I watch Portrait Artist of the Year UK?

The show airs on Sky Arts, available on Freeview channel 36. It also streams live and on demand via NOW (Sky’s streaming service) and Sky Go.

Can I stream it on NOW?

Yes, NOW offers a Sky Arts pass that includes the channel’s full lineup, including Portrait Artist of the Year. Past seasons are available on demand through NOW and Sky Go.

Is it available on Sky?

Yes, the show is a Sky Arts original, so it’s part of the standard Sky TV package. Viewers can also watch on the Sky Go app.

Can I watch past seasons?

Sky makes previous seasons available on demand through its platforms. Some episodes are also available on YouTube, though the selection is limited. The official Sky Arts Artist of the Year site provides links to streaming.

Has Kate Bryan left Portrait Artist of the Year?

Yes, Kate Bryan is no longer a judge for Series 13. The new judging panel announced by Sky Arts consists of portrait painter Jonathan Yeo, Frieze London director Eva Langret, and art historian/broadcaster Katy Hessel (Wikipedia). Kate Bryan, along with the original judges Tai-Shan Schierenberg and Kathleen Soriano, have been replaced after twelve seasons.

Why did Kate Bryan leave?

Sky has not publicly stated the reason for the judging panel change. The press release describes the new lineup as part of a “bold new era,” suggesting a creative refresh. Bryan, Schierenberg, and Soriano were all judges since the show’s debut in 2013.

Who replaced her?

The new judges are Jonathan Yeo (described by Sky as “Britain’s best-known contemporary portrait painter”), Eva Langret (Director of Frieze London), and Katy Hessel (art historian and broadcaster). Stephen Mangan continues as host.

The pattern: a full judging refresh risks alienating loyal viewers while injecting new credibility.

Why isn’t Joan Bakewell on Portrait Artist of the Year?

Joan Bakewell presented the show from its debut in 2013 until the end of Season 10 in 2023. She left after that season, and Stephen Mangan became the sole host from Season 11 onward. No official reason was given for her departure, but Bakewell was 90 years old at the time and likely retired from the role.

When did Joan Bakewell leave?

Bakewell’s final appearance was in Season 10, which aired in 2023. She had been a presenter alongside Frank Skinner (2013-2018) and then alongside Stephen Mangan (2018-2023). After Season 10, Mangan took over as the sole host.

What happened to her role?

Her role as presenter was not replaced with another host. Instead, Stephen Mangan now handles all hosting duties. The show’s format remains the same.

Why did Frank Skinner stop presenting Portrait Artist of the Year?

Frank Skinner presented the first five seasons (2013-2018) alongside Joan Bakewell. He left in 2018 due to scheduling conflicts, according to reports at the time (Wikipedia). Stephen Mangan replaced him from Season 6 (2018) onward.

Who replaced Frank Skinner?

Stephen Mangan took over as co-host in 2018, and after Bakewell’s departure, became the sole host. Mangan has hosted every season since Season 6.

What is the reason for his departure?

Skinner’s departure was attributed to “other commitments” – he was reportedly working on other TV projects. He has not returned to the show in any capacity.

Do the artists on Portrait Artist of the Year get paid?

No, artists who appear on the show are not paid for their participation. The competition is open to amateur and professional artists who apply voluntarily. However, the winner receives a commission – typically a portrait for a notable institution or individual – and a cash prize. The exact prize amount varies by season but has been reported as £10,000 for the winner in recent years.

Is there a cash prize?

Yes, the winner receives a cash prize plus a commission. The Series 13 terms and conditions do not specify the prize amount, but historically the winner gets £10,000 and a portrait commission worth around £5,000.

How do artists benefit?

The main benefits are exposure on a national TV platform, the chance to paint celebrity sitters, and the prestige of winning. Artists also receive constructive feedback from the judges. Participation is free, but artists cover their own materials and travel.

The implication is clear: Portrait Artist of the Year is not just continuing – it’s reinventing itself. For the UK audience that has followed the show for over a decade, the 2026 series will be a test of whether a new panel can sustain the show’s warmth and credibility. For applicants, the window is open now. The choice is simple: submit your self-portrait before 20 February 2026, or watch from the sofa as a new generation of artists – and judges – takes the spotlight.