The world of modelling is changing, and Manchester is its new beating heart. Northern fashion power houses are taking over and redefining what it means to be a model today.

It’s about more than just pretty boys, and the need for girls to be skinny and over 6ft tall. As Models: Street To Catwalk returns for a second series the programme returns to Nemesis, one of Manchester's leading agencies, under the all-seeing eye of city legend Nigel Martin-Smith, as they search for the next generation of top models.

Watch as young hopefuls, each facing their own unique challenges, try to make it in the glamorous but uber-competitive world of fashion.

There’s Jordaine, a self-described “short, big-bummed black girl” dreaming of a way out of her low-wage catering job in Huddersfield. She is desperate to do something good in her life, after a troubled childhood which saw police regularly raid her family home. Her first modelling job could see her become the face of a worldwide haircare brand; can she impress with her larger-than-life personality?

Follow Hal, from Merseyside, as he tries to stay out of prison to keep his modelling hopes alive. Bullied as a kid and desperate for acceptance, he now enters modelling with a more mature mindset, but is he able to put his violent past behind him?

Can Juan regain his confidence after he’s slashed across the face in a savage knife attack on a night out in the city? He considers drastic measures, going under the knife to cover up his scars. His mum and agency boss Nigel are dead against it, but will he listen?

Could Kyra be the game-changer that Nemesis is after? A size 18 model with Vitiligo, a condition where patches of skin lose their pigment, the shy teen has overcome much in her life already.

Fiona Campbell, Controller, BBC Three, says: “It’s fantastic to have Models: Street To Catwalk back once again, with a fascinating glimpse into the new world of fashion modelling. The stories and characters in this second series are so compelling.

“Working with under-represented voices right across the UK and introducing new, untold, stories is something we’re hugely passionate about at BBC Three. Co-commissions with BBC England have been so beneficial to the channel and are so helpful in enabling us to attract new, younger and more diverse audiences to the BBC.”

Aisling O’Connor, Head of TV Commissioning BBC England, says: “We are working with a range of independent production companies ensuring our audience sees itself reflected on screen and Models: Street To Catwalk is a perfect example of this.

“I’m also pleased to be working closely with the channel and genre commissioners. We are committed to nurturing fresh, young and diverse talent and to truly reflecting communities across England.”

Models: Street To Catwalk series two has been made for BBC Three by MultiStory Media and co-funded by BBC England. It is available as a boxset on BBC iPlayer from 8 August and airs on BBC One Tuesday 17 August at 10.35pm.

The series is commissioned by BBC Three Controller Fiona Campbell. The Commissioning Editor is Carl Callam, the Executive Producer for MultiStory Media is Mark Rubens.