A FORMER Huddersfield University student has finished as runner-up in a fashion design show on Sky TV.

Heidi May graduated with a first class degree in design but lost out in the final of Sky’s Styled to Rock, to rival Zainab Vandu-Chikolo

She said: “I feel absolutely gutted about leaving the show but so, so proud to have come second. Credit where credit’s due, Zainab’s design was amazing.’’

The show, hosted by Nicola Roberts and Henry Holland, was aimed at finding a fresh new design talent.

Heidi, 25, has set up her own label, Aesthetic Laundry, in four boutiques around Huddersfield.

She said: “I’ve always loved fashion but I thought it was unattainable. I live in a small village so I didn’t think fashion was for people like me.

“I’d buy Vogue and thought it was brilliant, and I’d make clothes out of beanbags when I was eight or nine.”

Sky’s Styled to Rock was co-produced by superstar Rihanna, who wore one of the winner’s costumes on her summer tour.

Heidi got to work many celebrities during the series – and had her designs chosen by the likes of Cheryl Cole, Katy Perry and Nicola Roberts, of Girls Aloud.

She said: “I think Rihanna and the judges wanted a whole look that was really well finished.

“I tried to do too much and was too focused on giving her options, I didn’t consider the actual outfit as a whole.

“I was disappointed with the last outfit – I loved the jumper but everything else I’m cringing at now.

“I loved the mentors we had. Nicola Roberts, in particular, really helped and reassured me and felt like a big sister. Henry Holland was really fun, the studio was always buzzing when the two of them were there – it was a huge lift from all the stress.

“Lysa Cooper, Rihanna’s stylist, was so cool and she got my style but was, at times, a little scatty.

“They all taught me a lot about myself as an individual and as a designer, which has boosted my confidence loads.

“I think there is a good future for all of us should we choose to push it. Zainab and Jacqui are super-talented, as is Steve, so it’s hard to say.

“I’m going to contact the stylists for up-and-coming artists that I love like Labrinth, Rizzle Kicks, Jessie J, Will.i.am, to see if I can send them clothes.’’

The final episode will be re-run tomorrow at 12pm on Sky Living.