The 8×60’ series sees eleven experienced hairstylists compete in a series of “extravagant and jaw dropping” hair challenges that will “take each stylist’s creative flare and talent and push it to the next level.”

Across each episode the stylists will take on two creative challenges that will put their coiffure skills to the test. Racing against the clock, they’ll be pleasing real clients with exacting styling demands in the first challenge and unleashing their individual taste and creativity to produce “heart-stopping, gravity defying and spectacular creations in the ‘Masterpiece’ challenge.”

The stylists will be judged by “legendary hairdresser” Sam McKnight and “hairdresser to the stars” Lisa Farrall along with a weekly guest judge.

AJ Odudu 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!”

Commissioning Editor Vivienne Molokwu said: “From Bake Off to the Great Pottery Throw Down, on Channel 4 it’s clear audiences love a creative competition format, so we’re really excited to be entering this space on E4 with Love Productions to see how they can bring their expertise to a whole new, younger audience. And as AJ absolutely loves the versatility of hair, she is the perfect host for this show – I can’t wait to see how the contestants, and their hair styling stands up to the pressure.”

Kieran Smith, Creative Director at Love Productions and Exec producer of The Big Blow Out said: “The Big Blowout is Love’s first commission for E4 and we are thrilled to be making a brand new competition series for the channel. From large scale spectacular creations to real world time pressured hair assignments, we hope to showcase the very best hair stylists that Britain has to offer. Hopefully audiences will hold hair stylists close to their heart in the way they have bakers and potters.”

The Big Blow Out is Produced by Love Productions and exec produced by Keiran Smith. It was commissioned for E4 by Commissioning Editor, Vivienne Molokwu and Head of Youth and Digital, Karl Warner.