'I got to tell Mum I won Glow Up before she died'

The winner of the latest series of BBC Three's Glow Up said it was a "special" moment to celebrate victory with his mother, before her death less than a month later.

Jake Moran, 20, from Rotherham, was crowned series seven champion after going head-to-head with nine other aspiring make-up artists over eight weeks.

However, during filming, he said his mother - who he had been helping to care for since he was 17 - had become "severely ill" with the family told she had "very limited" time left.

Jake, whose mum died shortly after filming finished in February, said: "I think it's important for anyone that is a carer to remember, as hard as it is, you need to appreciate the time that you do have with that person.

He said his mum had been diagnosed with a neurological condition three years ago when he was leaving school, but his parents had "kept it a secret as long as they could".

However, when he noticed something was wrong and asked his dad about it his parents came clean about her condition.

He said it had been a "hard time" for the family, adding that he would regularly miss lessons or work from home to support her.

He said his mum's health had declined over time, and when shooting for Glow Up was about to start, the family were told "her time is very, very limited".

"I think that's why I had so much trouble on the show backing myself and feeling confident, and feeling like I should be there," he said.

"The entire time I was there, I was like, 'I should be home, looking after Mum'."

He said he expected she would live another year, but three weeks after filming wrapped she died.

"I told her that I won before she passed, and she couldn't vocalise how excited she was, but I could see it - and that's special.

"I'm not sure what I believe spiritually, but I know that she's up there somewhere, watching, and I know she would've been so proud."

He said winning the competition had been a "pinch me moment" and he was "still realising it happened".

"I feel very proud of myself that I've been able to achieve such a big thing at such a young age."

He said he began doing make-up aged 13 and now works at a makeup counter in Boots at Sheffield's Meadowhall shopping centre.

After the win, however, he said he believed his "foot is on the first step" of a professional career in the industry.

"I think it's complete validation that I can go and chase my dreams now, and just try and have a bit more confidence in myself," he said.

"I have no idea what opportunities are open, until they start coming through - we'll just have to see."

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