From Rotherham College to TV Triumph: Jake Moran Wins Glow Up Season 7
Former Rotherham College student Jake Moran, 20, has achieved a breathtaking victory on Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make‑Up Star Season 7, taking home the title and cementing their place among the UK’s most promising makeup artists.
A graduate of Rotherham College’s hair, beauty and media make-up courses, Jake cut their teeth working in their mum’s salon, honing their skills for three years before stepping onto the national stage. Their passion for horror films and fascination with fantasy, Irish folklore, and fairies shaped their signature approach to SFX and storytelling through make-up.
Jake also appeared on BBC Sounds in a segment titled ‘Disgusting beauty: Rotherham’s TV make up artist’, where they reflected on their Glow Up journey – a full-circle moment from local apprentice to national creative voice.
Throughout Season 7, Jake impressed judges Val Garland and Dominic Skinner with bold SFX creations and emotionally resonant looks. They mastered challenges ranging from fantasy-inspired transformations to scene work on West End productions and House of the Dragon. Their arresting blend of technical proficiency and imaginative story-telling set them apart.
Katie Asgari, Curriculum Manager of the Hair and Beauty department, had this to say about Jake’s win;
“We are incredibly proud of our former student Jake for winning this year’s season of BBC Glow Up. Their creativity, passion, and dedication to the craft have truly shone through. Watching their journey and seeing them succeed on such a major platform has been an absolute inspiration to us all.”
With the crowning of Britain’s Next Make‑Up Star, Jake earned the chance to collaborate with some of the world’s major makeup brands. True to their roots, this Rotherham College alumnus is set to move into high-profile SFX work – whether in film, TV, or theatre.
Jake’s success marks a moment of local inspiration, proving that the next generation of creative stars is being shaped right here.
Congratulations, Jake – your glow has never shone brighter!