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Who are the judges on The Big Blow Out?

THE Big Blow Out is a new competition series that sees eleven experienced hairstylists compete in a number of tasks which will push their talent to the next level.

Here we take a look at who the judges are on the E4 show.

Lisa Farrall and Sam McKnight judge the competition while AJ Odudu hosts
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Lisa Farrall and Sam McKnight judge the competition while AJ Odudu hostsCredit: Mark Bourdillon / Love Productions

Who are the judges on The Big Blow Out?

Sam McKnight

Sam McKnight is a judge on The Big blow Out on E4
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Sam McKnight is a judge on The Big blow Out on E4Credit: Mark Bourdillon / Love Productions

Sam McKnight has a hairdressing career that spans over four decades.

He was born in New Cumnock, Scotland, and initially worked as a window cleaner, van driver and trainee teacher before becoming an assistant at a local hairdressers.

He moved to London in the early 1970s.

McKnight created Princess Diana's iconic short, slicked-back hairstyle for a 1990 Vogue magazine shoot and was her personal hair stylist for seven years.

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He also worked extensively with supermodels such as Kate Moss, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell throughout the 90s.

McKnight has also contributed to more than 190 cover shoots for various international versions of Vogue magazine alone.

He styled Lady Gaga for her album Born This Way (2011).

After signing up for The Big Blow Out , Sam admitted he was at first sceptical but revealed he had a lot of fun filming with fellow host Lisa Farrall and presenter AJ Odudu.

He posted on Instagram that the show put the spotlight "on 11 passionate young stylists competing weekly to be the Champion".

He added: "Think Bake-Off with hairspray."

Lisa Farrall

Lisa Farrall is a judge on The Big Blow out on E4
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Lisa Farrall is a judge on The Big Blow out on E4Credit: Mark Bourdillon / Love Productions

Lisa Farrall is an award winning hair session stylist, designer and educator. 

Originally from Swadlincote in Derbyshire, she has worked with top stars including Ed Sheeran, A$AP Rocky, and Harry Styles.

She started working in a Swadlincote hair salon at the age of 13 to earn pocket money and ended up falling in love with it.

Farrall then managed to work her way up to becoming well-known in the hairdressing industry for being an expert in styling afro and textured hair.

She won the first-ever Texture Expert award in 2021.

The stylist is now recognised globally as an activist spreading the message of texture equality with her brand WIG LONDON.

Who is hosting The Big Blow Out?

The Big Blow Out is hosted by popular TV presenter AJ Odudu.

AJ is best known for presenting Big Brother’s Bit On The Side with Emma Willis and Rylan Clark-Neal and serving as the backstage reporter on The Voice UK and its junior spin-off The Voice Kids.

She has also guest presented on The One Show, Lorraine, and This Morning.

Speaking about hosting the new E4 competition, she said: “You would not believe how excited I am to be hosting The Big Blow Out.

"It’s full of drama, dedication, excitement and most importantly, creative hairstyles on all hair types that will be sure to blow your socks off.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the contestants and seeing what they come up with. Ready, set, style!”

When is The Big Blow Out on E4?

The Big Blow Out was due to start on Monday, September 19, but was postponed due to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

The new start date is Monday, October 3, at 10pm on E4.

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There are eight episodes in total which will air weekly at the same time.

All episodes will be available to watch on catch-up over on All 4 once they have aired.

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