BAKE OFF: MEET THIS YEAR'S BAKERS
Channel 4 have revealed the 12 bakers taking to the Bake Off tent.
This year, under exceptional circumstances, the twelve new bakers entered a bubble for seven weeks in order to make the competition happen. The iconic tent remains the same, but there are 30 brand new challenges set by Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
Hosts Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas kick off the series with Cake Week. First, in the signature, the bakers get the opportunity to put their twist on the classic Battenberg. Next, under the gingham cloth are the ingredients for the first technical; turning out a fruit sponge, that’s one of Paul’s favourites. Finally, a showstopper that gives the bakers a chance to express their creativity, as they pay tribute to their heroes. An opportunity for the judges to see what inspires this year’s bakers, and whether they have the skills to translate it into cake.
Twelve bakers in the bubble. Three challenges. Only one will be crowned star baker, and sadly one will be going home.
THE BAKERS
DAVID
Age: 30
Job: Armoured guard
From: Hampshire
Baking speciality: Bread (pretzels, brioche rolls and baguettes are apparently his special favourites)
HERMINE
Age: 39
Job: Accountant
From: Benin, now lives in London
Baking speciality: High-end patisserie (especially intricate offerings like millefeuille, éclairs and entremets)
LINDA
Age: 61
Job: Living team leader
From: East Sussex
Baking speciality: Sausage rolls
LAURA
Age: 31
Job: Digital manager
From: Kent
Baking speciality: Her decoration is her strong suit, and is “proud to have mastered the art of piped buttercream flowers”.
MAKBUL
Age: 51
Job: Accountant
From: Greater Manchester
Baking speciality: Puff pastry and traditional Asian nankhatai biscuits
LORIEA
Age: 27
Job: Diagnostic radiographer
From: Jamaica, but now lives in Durham
Baking speciality: Jamaican patties
LOTTIE
Age: 31
Job: Pantomime producer
From: West Sussex
SURA
Age: 31
Job: Pharmacy dispenser
From: London
Baking speciality: “Small and dainty bakes”
ROWAN
Age: 55
Job: Music teacher
From: Worcestershire
Baking speciality: “Fine, complex, layered cakes.”
MARK
Age: 32
Job: Project manager
From: Northern Ireland, but now lives in Liverpool
Baking speciality: Multi-tiered wedding cakes
PETER
Age: 20
Job: Accountancy student
From: Edinburgh
Baking speciality: Anything use ingredients like berries, whisky, oats and honey from his native Scotland
MARC
Age: 51
Job: Bronze resin sculptor
From: Born in Leicester, he now lives in Cornwall
Baking speciality: Bread and “any dough-based recipes”
The Great British Bake Off returns Tuesday 22 September at 8pm on Channel 4.
Picture credit: MARK BOURDILLON/ CHANNEL 4/ LOVE PRODUCTIONS