ITV has confirmed that 'M&S: Dress The Nation' will not return for a third series, delivering a fresh blow to host Vernon Kay. The fashion competition, co-hosted by AJ Odudu, was pulled after its second season failed to replicate the success of its debut, which drew eight million viewers.
Show Format and Cancellation
The programme featured nine contestants competing over five 60-minute episodes for an exclusive mentorship with Marks & Spencer and the chance to have their winning design sold by the retailer. Each week, a panel of judges—including retail experts, fashion designers, and celebrity guests—decided which contestants advanced. Despite initial popularity, ITV opted not to renew the show.
An ITV spokeswoman said: “Following two series of Dress the Nation, unfortunately we won’t be commissioning another at this time. However, we look forward to continuing our work with M&S and South Shore this summer on the six series of Cooking with the Stars and the fourth series of Tom Kerridge Cooks.”
Vernon Kay's Comments and Personal News
Ahead of the final series last year, Vernon Kay said: “Dress The Nation isn’t just about fashion, it’s about changing someone’s life forever whilst discovering more of their own confidence, creativity and talent. The level of skill this year is unreal which means the competition is ridiculously tough but seeing people shine doing what they love makes for proper feel-good telly.” The cancellation follows Kay's announcement of his split from wife Tess Daly.
Uncertainty for AJ Odudu and Celebrity Big Brother
Co-host AJ Odudu also faces uncertainty as ITV has pushed back 'Celebrity Big Brother' until 2027 and moved it from ITV1 to ITV2. The show, won by Coronation Street's Jack P Shepherd earlier this year, remains a priority format, having achieved 150 million streams on ITVX. An ITV spokesperson said: “We are committed to both Celebrity Big Brother and Big Brother beyond 2025, and scheduling for any new series will be confirmed in due course.”
Related Show Cancellations
The news follows reports that 'Big Brother: Late and Live' has been axed. An insider told The Sun: “Big Brother in general has struggled this year due to fierce competition from the likes of Celebrity Traitors. Late and Live has really struggled due to the main show not doing as well as hoped. Over the past few weeks, whispers have been rife that the show would be axed, and then during the final week, it was an open topic on the studio floor. Bosses have quietly told staff, many of whom are freelancers, not to expect the show to return.”
