M&S: Dress the Nation

Hosted by AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay, the series pits nine amateur designers against each other in a head‑to‑head contest. The prize is a dream position as a fashion designer for high‑street giant Marks & Spencer, offering the winner a chance to launch their career.

The series is presented by AJ Odudu alongside Vernon Kay, who together guide viewers through a fashion‑focused contest. Their role is to introduce the competitors, explain the challenges and keep the momentum moving as the show unfolds. The programme’s format centres on a straightforward premise: a group of hopeful designers battle it out for a single coveted position. At the heart of the competition are nine amateur designers, each eager to prove their creative chops. Throughout the episodes they go head‑to‑head, tackling tasks that test their style, technique and ability to work under pressure. The contestants are judged on how well they translate their ideas into wearable pieces, with the ultimate aim of outshining the other eight participants. The winner walks away with a dream job as a fashion designer for the high‑street powerhouse M&S. Securing a role with such a well‑known retailer represents a significant career breakthrough for anyone starting out in the industry. The prize not only offers a coveted position but also the chance to influence the look of a major UK brand, turning the competition into a genuine launchpad for emerging talent.