THE JUDGES
Leighton Denny
Leading nail technician and founder of Leighton Denny Expert Nails
Leighton's passion for nails began when he watched his mother have a manicure whilst on a trip to the USA. Leighton was inspired by the creativity involved and on return to the UK he embarked on a career as a manicurist. Leighton's talent was quickly recognised and he has won a host of awards including 'Nail Technician of the Year' for four years running. With celebrity clients clamouring for appointments, Leighton's nails have been hailed as the 'ultimate accessory'.
Leighton Denny has a strong understanding of how to make hands and nails look healthy, groomed and beautiful. In order to appreciate every aspect of the industry Leighton began researching effective ingredients for nail and hand care. As a result Leighton decided, in 2005 to launch his own range of products Leighton Denny Expert Nails becoming the No 1 nail-care brand on QVC, retail partners with premium retail stores in the UK and available in over 300 luxury salons and spas globally.
Abi Blanche-Martin
Managing Director of Leighton Denny Expert Nails
Abi has worked in the Health & Beauty industry for nearly 20 years with extensive experience in both marketing and new product development. With a real passion for beauty and beauty brands, Abi has worked for a range of prestigious players in the beauty arena such as; Virgin Cosmetics, The Body Shop, Burts Bees and Kao Brands.
Nina Taylor
Hand-Supermodel, Brand Ambassador,
Beauty Columnist, TV presenter, Judge
for Scratch Stars
Nina featured in countless international campaigns over the past decade often doubling for celebrities like Kate Moss, Scarlett Johansson, Demi Moore, Yasmin Le Bon and Heidi Klum. Nina has become the busiest hand model in the UK - her hands are insured for £2million!
As well as many spots in national newspapers magazines and radio about her unique career, Nina has also featured in her own BBC documentary and Strictly Come Dancing It Takes Two.
Nina's involvement with the Leighton Denny Expert Nails brand is as Leighton's co-presenter on QVC UK, Italy and Germany and model in most of the campaigns.
Nina is currently filming another programme for BBC World and writing her first Beauty Book.
Helena Biggs
Assistant editor of Scratch magazine and Gloss magazine, co-ordinator and judge of the Scratch Stars awards and The Great Scratch Shoot Out
After testing the waters of broadcast journalism, Helena found her feet at Scratch, the UK's No.1 magazine for nail professionals, and its sister publication, Gloss.
With three years in the nail industry and a nail course under her belt, Helena has a familiarity with various styles, technicians and techniques and has been behind-the-scenes on a Leighton Denny Expert Nails shoot and attended a number of events involving the brand. As assistant editor of Scratch, she also co-ordinates and hones her judging skills to an annual nail photographic nail art competition and the Scratch Stars Awards, the only awards dedicated solely to nail technicians.