Coventry woman set to star in new ITV series M&S: Dress the Nation

Sandeep will be appearing on M&S: Dress the Nation
-Credit: (Image: ITV/M&S)


A Coventry woman has said she is 'incredibly proud' to be starring in new ITV series Dress the Nation. Sandeep is among the budding designers looking to impress in the hope of securing a coveted role at M&S.

Hosted by AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay, the six-part series will follow M&S' search for new in-house design talent, with the prize said to be 'life-changing.' Contestants will be set a series of tasks that will assess their design, problem-solving, and collaboration skills in what will be the 'biggest job interview of their lives.'

Judges will task ten hopefuls with gathering insights, identifying key trends, and designing and developing clothing pieces, ITV said. Spice Girl Mel B, This Morning star Cat Deeley, Vogue Williams, and Ian Wright will be appearing as part of the judging panel for the hugely anticipated series which begins next Tuesday (September 17).

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Businessowner Sandeep will be starring as one of the ten contestants, with the 33-year-old saying she decided to sign up as she is in her 'glow-up era.' She purchased her first sewing machine because she could never find outfits that she wanted to buy, and after making her own, she 'fell in love with it.'

A few years ago, Sandeep found a fabric she 'loved' and decided to buy it in bulk, which she said 'sold well.' She then decided to launch her own business, Sister Mintaka, which is based in Coventry.

She said: “Getting onto the show is a huge achievement, and I am so incredibly proud of myself. It is truly the best thing I have ever done!”

Hosts AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay
Hosts AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay -Credit:Roy J Baron

Host AJ Odudu said: “I had the time of my life filming M&S: Dress The Nation on ITV. Access to the creative industries and finding new ways for people to get that first foot in the door is so important to me, and creativity, passion and a real opportunity at the end of it is what Dress the Nation is all about.”

Vernon Kay added: “It was a totally brilliant experience meeting our budding designers and seeing them deliver incredible results week on week. Giving creative talent the opportunity to showcase their work is so important, and the project was fantastic to be a part of.”

Anna Braithwaite, Marketing Director at M&S
Anna Braithwaite, Marketing Director at M&S -Credit:Roy J Baron

Anna Braithwaite, Marketing Director at M&S, said: “It has been such a creative and entertaining experience! I have been blown away by the talent, drive and originality from the fantastic designers who took part.”

She continued: “It has been a joy to see the different personalities shine through the products they have created as the series has gone on. We know our customers are going to love the format and will enjoy getting to know our contestants as they embark on the ultimate M&S job interview.”

Watch M&S: Dress the Nation on ITV1 and ITVX on Tuesday, September 17 at 8pm.

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