After an initial welcome, they took to their washing stations and started cutting and styling. In the meantime, a judging panel made up of celebrities as well industry experts, spoke to each of them about their history and relationship with their client and their technical skills.

Over lunch the judges huddled to discuss the winner - the decision ended up being so tough that they introduced a 'Highly Commended' award which was presented to Kipps Finlayson from Scotland. Michelle Gowlett was then announced as the Nation's Favourite Hairdresser 2008 at the official awards ceremony that afternoon, where she and her client Charlie Wright were presented with their prizes. Since then Michelle and Charlie have taken part in a Cosmopolitan photo-shoot - set to feature in the October issue.