It’s that time of year again—The Great British Bake Off 2024 is back to brighten up our screens, just as autumn’s gloom sets in. Whether you’re a baking aficionado or simply a fan of the comforting chaos that unfolds in that iconic white tent, this season promises to serve up all the cake drama, laughs, and soggy bottoms we’ve come to love.
But when does it start? Who’s in the tent? And what about those infamous Hollywood handshakes? Don’t worry, we’ve got all the piping-hot details about The Great British Bake Off 2024 right here! Are you ready to get whisked away into the cosy world of cakes, biscuits, and all things baked?
When Does The Great British Bake Off 2024 Start?
Mark your calendars! The Great British Bake Off 2024 kicks off on September 24 and will air exclusively on Channel 4 at 8 p.m. The series runs for 10 delicious episodes, airing every Tuesday. If you miss an episode, no worries—catch it anytime on Channel4.com. So no matter how hectic your week gets, there’s always time to indulge in a little bake-off goodness.
Meet the 2024 Contestants: Who’s in the Tent?
This season introduces us to a wonderfully diverse batch of bakers, ranging from 19 to 71 years old! From seasoned pros to aspiring pastry chefs, (including a farm manager, a fashion designer, and even a retired engineer), here’s a quick look at who will be whipping up wonders and baking up a storm this season:
- Andy, 44, a car mechanic from Essex, bakes for his partner and daughter, taking inspiration from his childhood memories of baking with his mother.
- Nelly, 44, a palliative care assistant from Slovakia, blends Slovakian and Pakistani flavours in her bakes, inspired by her husband, Chand’s, heritage.
- Mike, 29, a farm manager from Wiltshire, embraces homely, wholesome baking using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from his garden.
- Christiaan, 33, a menswear designer from the Netherlands, brings an artistic flair to his creations, treating baking like fashion design.
- Dylan, 20, a retail temp from Buckinghamshire, infuses his baking with travel-inspired flavours from his recent Southeast Asian adventures.
- Gill, 53, a senior category manager from Lancashire, started baking with her father and continues in his memory, supporting Alzheimer’s charities.
- John, 37, an NHS directorate support manager from West Midlands, bakes to relax and loves passing on baking skills to his young nephews.
- Sumayah, 19, a dentistry student from Lancashire, loves experimenting with modern techniques and flavours, and once created a one-meter macaron tower.
- Hazel, 71, a former nail technician from Kent, is known for her inventive cakes featuring mechanical elements like working steering wheels.
- Jeff, 67, a former university lecturer from New York, now based in Yorkshire, has a family-inspired baking style and loves staying active.
- Illiyin, 31, a birth trauma specialist midwife from Norfolk, brings rich cultural influences to her bakes, from Middle Eastern to Caribbean flavours.
- Georgie, 34, a paediatric nurse from Carmarthenshire, combines Italian influences from her Nonna with locally foraged ingredients from her country walks.
With such a variety of bakers, this season will surely deliver both surprising successes and delightful disasters!
Who Are the Judges and Hosts for The Great British Bake Off 2024?
Of course, The Great British Bake Off wouldn’t be the same without its legendary judges. Returning this year are the iconic Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith. Paul, with his signature steely gaze and those coveted handshakes, has been a staple of the show since its inception in 2010. Meanwhile, Prue, who joined in 2017, continues to charm fans with her thoughtful critiques and warmth.
Prue recently shared that she considered stepping down from the show due to her busy schedule but was ultimately persuaded to stay. “I’m so grateful to Love Productions for accommodating my request for a lighter schedule,” she said, ensuring her fans she’s here to stay—at least for this season!
As for hosts, Alison Hammond returns for her second season alongside the ever-quirky Noel Fielding. Their chemistry was a hit last year, and we can’t wait to see what shenanigans they’ll get up to this season!
Where Is The Great British Bake Off 2024 Filmed?
Ah, the iconic Bake Off tent—a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern kitchen wonders—has become as beloved a character as the bakers themselves! Once again, the show is set in the picturesque countryside of Welford Park in Berkshire. While it’s sadly not open to the public, that won’t stop us from daydreaming about strolling through the bunting-draped aisles and sneaking a peek at the contestants’ creations.
Challenges, Themes, and Everything In Between
This season promises to shake things up with new challenges designed to test the bakers in every way imaginable. While many of the weekly themes—like bread week and pastry week—remain classics, expect to see some surprise elements that will keep the bakers (and viewers) on their toes.
Whether it’s creating show-stopping cakes, tackling intricate desserts, or mastering tricky technicals, the contestants will need every ounce of their skill, creativity, and nerves to impress the judges and avoid elimination. And let’s not forget those unforgettable moments of chaos when things don’t go to plan. (Remember last year’s caramel meltdown?)
Ready, Set, Bake!
As autumn settles in and the days grow shorter, The Great British Bake Off 2024 arrives just in time to warm our hearts. With an exciting new cast of bakers, familiar faces in the judging seats, and the return of Alison and Noel’s hilarious hosting, this season is set to serve up a sweet season of unforgettable bakes, and heartwarming moments and promises to be one for the history books.
So whether you’re tuning in for the jaw-dropping showstoppers, the nerve-wracking technicals, the inevitable kitchen disasters, or just a bit of wholesome entertainment, there’s a lot to look forward to. So grab your aprons, stock up on tea, and get ready to dive into the delectable world of The Great British Bake Off 2024.
Trust us—you don’t want to miss it!