HGTV documents the search for Canada’s next top on-air design host in the new seven-part reality series, the Designer Superstar Challenge II. Narrowed down from hundreds of audition tapes, the series tracks everything from the top finalists’ pre-audition anxiety to their post-performance critiques as they battle each other for the number one spot and the chance to host the one-hour finale of the series. The Designer Superstar Challenge II premieres on Mon., Jan. 31 at 10 p.m. ET/PT with new episodes in this timeslot every Monday for seven consecutive weeks.

With challenges ranging from decorating storefront windows to intense personal image consultations with HGTV’s Design Rivals Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman, each elimination round is designed to test the finalists design propensity and on-screen presence. Judges Anna Simone, interior designer and founding partner of Cecconi Simone Inc; Jeff Andrews, Director of Ford Talent Management Agency; and Suzanne Dimma, Wish Magazine’s home design editor decide who will make the cut based on creativity, design skills and on-camera presentation style. Karen Bertelsen (MuchMoreMusic) hosts the series.

The 2003 one-hour special Superstar Challenge lead to the discovery of winner Stacy McLennan, who now co-hosts HGTV’s Kitchen Equipped and Andrew Pike and Cheryl Torrenueuva who are featured in the new HGTV series Rooms That Rock.

Episodic Synopsis:

*Episode 1 – “The Search” – Mon., Jan. 31 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
Out of hundreds of entries from across Canada, the three Superstar judges, Anna Simone of Cecconi Simone; Suzanne Dimma from Wish Magazine and Jeff Andrews, Director of Ford Talent Management Agency, narrow the field from 30 candidates to the top ten finalists.

*Episode 2 – “The Finalists” – Mon., Feb. 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
The top ten finalists face their first challenge – to decorate a bare set with a range of props in only two minutes knowing that two contestants will be eliminated.

*Episode 3 – “Colour the Neighbourhood” – Mon., Feb. 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
The remaining eight contestants are paired up to decorate four storefronts on Queen St. West in Toronto. One team of two designers is sent home.

*Episode 4 – “The Goods” – Mon., Feb. 21 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
Design Rivals Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman swoop in to give the remaining six finalists intense personal image consultations before each contestant tapes a screen test that is played before an earnest and honest ‘focus testing’ group of HGTV viewers at Cossette Communications.

*Episode 5 – “A Project to Go” – Mon., Feb. 28 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
The four remaining contestants compete to build a screen divider under the direction of Peter Fallico, host of HGTV’s Home to Go, with materials from the Home Depot. One contestant heads home.

*Episode 6 – “The Right Stuff” – Mon., Mar. 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
Down to the final three contestants, high-stakes and heated emotions fuel creativity as each finalist must transform an empty bedroom in eight hours. The judges announce the final winner after heated deliberations.

*Episode 7 – “The Big Test” – Mon., Mar. 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
In the one-hour finale, the winner takes the ultimate test by hosting his or her own Design Make-over TV show, transforming a young family’s living/dining room in just 48 hours. Carpenter Jay Purvis (Kitchen Equipped) and painter Ian Szabo lend their skills, along with some surprise visitors.

HGTV and HOME AND GARDEN TELEVISION are trademarks of Scripps Networks, Inc.; used with permission.