In the opening episode, James presides over mass regional auditions in London and Manchester where the competing stylists are set a challenge to create their own unique look. By the afternoon the group are whittled down further to 32 stylists who face another challenge to test their imagination and dexterity.

In the second episode, hundreds of hopefuls have already been whittled down to just 18 individuals who James thinks may have the raw talent to make it as a celebrity hairstylist. Now they face ever more daunting challenges as the competition hots up.

In this episode, James gives the contestants a masterclass in avante-garde hair, as seen on Lady Gaga and catwalk shows for iconic designers such as Vivienne Westwood. They then face their first big assignment before James and Jo decide who must leave the competition at elimination time.