Project Runway and Episodes return to Hong Kong TV screens

Resplendent in our pink velvet onesie, we say a warm and slightly clammy howdy-do to Heidi Klum (right) and Project Runway, as the fashion-centric reality-television show returns to our screens for a can-it-really-be 13th series this week (TLC, Thursday at 10pm).

While not quite as sizzling as my core temperature, the heat is certainly on as 18 aspiring designers compete to make the cut each week and kick-start a career in the fickle world of fashion.

Mentored as always by creative guru Tim Gunn, the contestants will preen and prance around as if their first-world fashion problems are a matter of life and death, no doubt throwing more temper tantrums than a playgroup of toddlers with too few toys. Adding a little glamour to the panel this year will be guest judges Julie Bowen (Modern Family's Claire Dunphy), burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese, Christian Siriano - Project Runway's youngest winner - and Mad Men actress Elisabeth Moss.

You know the drill: this week, Gunn will introduce us to the designers and explain how they were chosen from a nationwide casting call - but wait, there's a cheeky surprise, one of three designers from previous years, chosen by the fans, will be joining this season's competition.

Next week, TV presenter Amanda de Cadenet and Marie Claire editor-in-chief Anne Fulenwider are the guest experts as the contestants arrive in New York only to learn that they must face another audition, after which three of them will be sent packing.

The most talented individuals will survive the roller-coaster runway ride and make it to the finale, in 14 weeks' time. The suspense will be unbearable!