The Great British Bake Off is set to return for its new series on Tuesday, 22nd September at 8pm on Channel 4, welcoming a fresh batch of amateur bakers to the iconic tent. Among the contestants ready to showcase their culinary skills are Molly, an accessibility co-ordinator from London; Nikki, a former dancer from Basingstoke; and Tom, a hairdresser from West Yorkshire.
Meet the New Bakers
Molly, 31, an accessibility co-ordinator who lives in London with her husband Ash and their sausage dog Lando, will be entering the tent. She works for a disability charity, focusing on transport accessibility. Molly’s passion for baking began over 25 years ago, inspired by her grandmother, and she gravitates towards traditional bakes with classic flavours like hazelnut, fresh fruit, and mint. According to Radio Times, she turned to baking in 2020 to stay motivated during a challenging health period. Outside of baking, Molly is a devoted musical theatre fan, a Formula 1 enthusiast, and is engaged in a large cross-stitch project of Rivendell.
Nikki, 50, a former podium dancer at Basingstoke’s Ziggy’s nightclub in the 1990s, also joins the line-up. Now living in London, Nikki expressed her surprise at being selected after applying multiple times. She kept her participation a secret during the initial filming weekend, telling colleagues she was away with friends, as reported by the Basingstoke Gazette. Nikki believes baking should be fun, a philosophy she aims to convey in her creations. She quickly formed bonds with her fellow contestants, describing the experience as “a really beautiful thing to be part of.”
Tom, 25, a hairdresser from West Yorkshire, brings his self-proclaimed “northern diva” personality to the tent. He has been baking since childhood, mastering the brandy snap before the age of 10 under his nan’s guidance. Tom’s colleagues at his busy hair salon often enjoy his famous salted caramel brownies. He describes his baking “superpower” as remaining “chill” under pressure, finding baking a relaxing and meditative activity, according to Radio Times. Tom also enjoys travelling, having recently explored south-east Asia.
Judges and Hosts for the New Series
This series will see the return of judges Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson. Hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding will guide the bakers through the challenges. Paul Hollywood has indicated that the standard of baking this year is exceptionally high, stating that some bakers “could have been any five-star hotel or could have been in the middle of Feuchon in Paris,” suggesting that contestants now “almost have to be professional just to get into the tent.”
FAQ
- When does The Great British Bake Off return?
The Great British Bake Off returns on Tuesday, 22nd September at 8pm on Channel 4. - Who are the judges for the new series?
Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson will serve as judges, alongside hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding. - What is Molly’s profession?
Molly is a 31-year-old accessibility co-ordinator from London, working for a disability charity to review accessibility in transport. - What was Nikki’s previous job?
Nikki, 50, was a podium dancer at Basingstoke’s former Ziggy’s nightclub during the 1990s.
