PICTURES: MEET THIS YEAR'S JUNIOR BAKERS

Selected from thousands of applicants, sixteen talented junior bakers enter the iconic white tent and battle it out in the most challenging and exciting contest to date.

Host Harry Hill brings warmth and humour as Liam Charles is joined by a new judge: professional pastry chef Ravneet Gill. Together they take on the tough task of finding Britain’s best junior baker.

The first heat of 8 junior bakers enter the Bake Off tent for two exciting baking challenges.

Sponge baking and jelly making are put to the test in a tricky first Technical Challenge where the bakers are asked to follow Liam’s recipe for a bake every baker has eaten before - but with an unusual twist.

Gallery of their promo pictures:

Gallery of the episode(s):

Junior Bake Off returns Monday 11th January at 5pm on Channel 4 and continues weekdays.