The Great British Bake Off is back! Noel, Sandi, Prue and Paul are to return to the nation’s screens on Tuesday 28 August and they’re bringing with them a dozen fresh faces.

The 12-strong line-up includes a techno DJ, a full-time father and a research scientist ready to battle it out for the crown (or decorative cake stand).

Here are this year’s contestants:

Terry, 56

A retired air steward with a background in fine art, Terry learned to bake as a child, taught by his grandmother and father. The produce from his own microbrewery and allotment can be found in his baking, which is particularly noted for its precision, science and flavour in his bakes.

Ruby, 29

Relaxed and boozy is how Ruby would described her baking style. Her love of baking stems from her time at university in which she became ‘mother’ to her seven male housemates, cooking and baking for them. Growing up, she had a fondness for her mother’s jalebis – an Indian sweet.

Rahul, 30

Rahul describes his baking style as ‘east meets west’ having discovered an abundance of new flavours upon moving to the UK for university at the age of 23. As a research scientist, he undertakes all bakes with an ‘uncompromising attitude to detail’ and is fascinated by the science of baking.

Manon, 26

The youngest contestant in this year’s line-up, Manon was born and raised in France taking inspiration from her heritage when it comes to baking. However, it was in moving to London that she found her passion for baking after being ‘blown away’ by the selection of goods on offer in the capital.

Luke, 30

Civil servant and techno DJ Luke has been baking independently since he was 10 years old, making Victoria sponges, fruit cobblers and chocolate cakes for his family. Luke’s minimal and clutter-free attitude is reflected in the clean and precise bakes he produces.


Kim-Joy, 27

Born in Belgium to an English father and Malaysian-Chinese mother, then growing up in London, Kim-Joy’s mixed heritage is reflected in her open attitude to all types of baking. However, bread is where her true passion lies, having turned her hand to a plethora of styles and types of bread.

Karen, 60

Karen is the oldest baker in the tent this year. Athough she baked with her mum throughout her childhood, it was during the 15 years that she owned a house in France that her passion for baking was truly ignited. Religieuse buns, profiteroles and foot-long éclairs are particular specialities.

Jon, 47

Welshman Jon uses baking as a way to relax after a hard day’s work. He loves a showy bake – and a showy Hawaiian shirt – and often wows friends and family with his creations. Family is at the heart of his life and Jon spends a lot of time with his wife and four children.

Imelda, 33

Recreation officer Imelda grew up in Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland, as one of four siblings. It was here that she was taught to bake by her mother. Now juggling work and family life, Imelda spends her evenings and weekends making soda bread, biscuits and treats for her father and son.

Dan, 36

Dan is on a quest for perfection when it comes to baking. He considers aesthetics one of the most important aspects of his bakes, aiming to produce beautiful and delicious creations every time. As a full-time stay-at-home father of two small children, home baking is part of his everyday life.

Briony, 33

Bristol-born and -raised Briony is a self-taught baker who used YouTube tutorials to develop her skills. She has been baking seriously since 2013 and is a whizz at puff pastry, which she makes weekly for her husband and daughter. Briony has also created several wedding and novelty cakes for friends.

Antony, 30

Self-described Bollywood baker Antony grew up in India, where he learned to bake with his father. His willingness to try new foods, worldwide travels and an ability to ask probing questions to established bakers mean his bakes can be unconventional at times, but are always interesting.

Don’t miss our regular blog on the Bake-Off, starting on Wednesday 29 August.

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