My Journey on Channel 5 ‘Faking It’
The Unexpected Invitation
Over a year ago now, a message arrived in my inbox that seemed pretty casual at first. Producers from Channel 5 reached out to ask if I wanted to take part in a fun project. They didn’t give away much – only that it would involve makeup, something creative, and that they liked my work. After sending over my portfolio, agreeing to the filming date they provided, and thinking “Why not? Sounds exciting!” I had no idea what adventure awaited me.
The reality turned out to be completely different from what I expected.
Behind the Scenes Surprise
Upon arriving on set, cameras, lights, and people filled the room – but context was nowhere to be found. My assumption was that we would simply participate in a creative MUA day: arrive, do our thing, and head home. Despite the packed room and mysterious energy surrounding us, my professional instincts kicked in. Like any dedicated makeup artist would do, I focused, tuned in, and dedicated myself to the work at hand.
Creating the Perfect Look
The organizers assigned each of us a theme to inspire our creation. My approach featured polished, radiant skin, warm definition, and a soft glam finish with luxe detailing. Everything flowed perfectly during the application process. After the competition concluded, I packed up my supplies, left the studio, and believed that was the end of the story.
Then came the unexpected call.
The Big Reveal
“So… there was someone faking it,” announced a producer who contacted me after the shoot. One of my fellow contestants had never professionally used a makeup brush in their life – they had pretended to be a makeup artist throughout the entire event! Even more surprising, Dominic Skinner had secretly observed everything from another room, tracking every move we made. This wild twist left me stunned. Without realizing it, we had participated in a high-stakes MUA experiment, and somehow I had maintained my composure throughout.
The Anticipation Builds
Life continued normally for months until a few weeks before the air date when reality set in. The team called to inform me that the show would broadcast soon. A mixture of excitement and nervousness washed over me. Without seeing any edits, I couldn’t imagine how everything would appear on screen.
My spirits lifted immediately when a surprise package arrived from Dominic Skinner himself. Inside I found his amazing book along with various MAC products – a thoughtful gift that reminded me how meaningful and magical the beauty industry truly can be.
The Moment of Truth
When the episode finally aired, I sat nervously in front of my TV, holding my breath as the reality that both myself AND my work would appear on television still felt surreal. My segment appeared during the final 10 minutes when they showcased the competition. As the judges began their feedback, my heart raced since I had no idea what they would say about my work.
Their words came as the most wonderful surprise:
“Beautiful.” “Highly skilled Artist.” “Amazing skin.”
They were talking about MY work! I couldn’t stop smiling, feeling like a little girl whose dreams had just materialized in real life. This moment of pride will stay with me forever – never in a million years did I imagine my work would appear on TV, let alone myself! After posting about the show and sharing it on my stories, support poured in from everywhere. Clients, friends, and even strangers reached out with love and kind words. Their encouragement meant everything to me and filled my heart with gratitude.
An Unexpected Bonus
Just when I thought the experience couldn’t get any more exciting, a few days later I discovered the show had appeared on Channel 4’s Celebrity Gogglebox! Although they didn’t feature my full look, seeing even a quick snippet of myself on screen and watching celebrities on another major network discuss and react to the episode created another surreal and thrilling moment. This experience demonstrated how far this journey had reached and the powerful impact creative opportunities can have when shared with wider audiences.
Lessons and Gratitude
From that first mysterious email to the glowing reviews and surprise TV appearances, this experience transformed into a whirlwind of nerves, pride, and gratitude. The Channel 5 team provided incredible support from beginning to end, guiding us through the process with professionalism and care.
This adventure reinforced why I love what I do. Makeup represents more than just beauty – it embodies creativity, confidence, and connection. Whether being judged or not, I’ll always show up with my kit, my passion, and my WHOLE heart.
Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Free. Be You.
