Coventry woman wins BBC Glow Up amid family tears as judges call her a 'fighter'

An aspiring Coventry make-up artist has said she cannot wait for her career to start after winning BBC Glow Up. Shania Parris was crowned series six champion yesterday evening (Wednesday, May 15).

Student Shania, from Coundon, said it felt 'absolutely unbelievable' after having wanted to take part since the programme first launched. Contestants tried out their make-up creations on partners and family members, as well as working on the hit BBC series Casualty.

Shania was also given the chance to impress Hung Vanngo, the personal MUA to some of the biggest stars in the world, including Jennifer Lawrence, Katy Perry and Selena Gomez. Vanngo told the 24-year-old that he 'loved' the look that she had created.

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Shania told the BBC: “It was emotional when they all walked in! It was crazy - there were so many tears when family members and partners walked into that room.

“I remember saying to my girlfriend: 'Please try not to talk to me as much as you can, otherwise I am going to get distracted. I needed to focus.”

Shania had spoken about her struggles with mental health during the series and said it was timely the final was aired during Mental Health Week. She said she started experimenting with make-up as a teenager because she was 'self-conscious.'

Having walked away with a contract assisting leading make-up artists, Shania said: “It just felt like this year was going to be my year. I have been working so hard for this even before coming here so to win this is just unbelievable!”

Judge Dominic Skinner said: “What I loved so much about Shania is her determination. She has powered through highs and some really deep lows.

"She has delivered incredible make-up, she has listened to the feedback, she has grown as an artist and she has grown with skill. She is a fighter.”

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