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