A NEW batch of hopefuls are gearing up to put their best showstoppers forward when the Great British Bake Off returns.
Channel 4 show GBBO will be back on our screens next month with hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding and judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
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But it’s the bakers who are sure to get everybody talking, and this year’s line-up includes a powerlifter, a rollerskating drag king and two hairdressers.
Here’s who will be slipping on their aprons and stepping into the iconic tent.
Aaron, 38, London, Senior Systems Architect
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Aaron lives in London with boyfriend Anthony, after moving from Manchester two years ago. He’s an experimental baker known for infusing French patisserie with Caribbean flair.
When he’s not busy in the kitchen, “King of Hobbies” Aaron spends time cycling, working on his French or working out at the gym.
Hassan, 40, South Yorkshire, Analytical Research & Development Scientist
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Hassan is a chemistry graduate who works in the pharmaceutical industry. As a result, he approaches baking with a scientific eye and researches recipes thoroughly before taking them on.
He loves sweet treats inspired by his Pakistani heritage and is a gamer who enjoys quiz nights with his friends.
Iain, 29, Belfast, Software Engineer
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Belfast-based Iain lives with girlfriend Dervla and their cat Victor. He’s a former amateur powerlifter who combines his passions for sourdough and live music by immortalising album covers on his loaves.
In baking, he loves using fermented fruits and vegetables to enhance flavours with a creative twist.
Jasmine, 23, London, Medical Student
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Jasmine was born in Edinburgh but now lives in London with her cousins. She caught the bug for baking bread and cakes from her mum and aunts and often batch baked for bug family gatherings.
When she’s not in the kitchen or at one of her hospital placements, you’ll find Jasmine sea swimming, running half marathons or playing hockey.
Jessika, 32, London, Service Designer
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Jessika is a gymnastic and rollerskating Drag King who loves gifting bakes to her friends and family.
Always keen to impress, Jessika makes sure to research her friends’ tastes to deliver the perfect surprise. She has a sweet-tooth and loves experimenting with flavour combinations such as mango caramel and cardamom.
Leighton, 59, Surrey, Software Delivery Manager
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Welshman Leighton lives in Surrey with his Californian husband Eric and their dog Cilla.
Leighton loves to blend traditional Welsh and American flavours, which results in the likes of Welsh cakes and peanut butter or Victoria Sponge with a key lime pie filling.
Lesley, 59, Kent, Hairdresser
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Lesley is a hairdresser who lives with her partner Mark and two dogs, Norman and Marley.
Her Nanny Mable and Auntie Joan taught her how to bake as a child and now the clients that come to her salon look forward to a slice of cake with their trim.
She has a passion for updating classic old-school bakes with modern and fun designs.
Nadia, 41, Liverpool, Hairdresser
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Nadia is a “chatterbox” hairdresser who loves nothing more than to cook for her partner Daniel and daughters Rosa-Bella and Maria.
Sundays are “feast days” in her house, filled with homemade pasta, roasts, and not forgetting a delicous pud.
Her mum is Indian and her dad Italian, and she loves fusing rustic charm and soulful flavours to her bakes.
Nataliia, 32, East Yorkshire, Office Assistant
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Yorkshire based Nataliia is from Ukraine and moved to the UK with her husband Harry before the war broke out. She loves to cook Ukrainian recipes handed down to her through the generations.
These often include flavours inspired by her roots such as honey, poppy seeds and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
The economics graduate was taught to cook by her grandmother and now enjoys cooking for her family including 3 year old daughter, Francesca.
Pui Man, 51, Essex, Bridal Designer
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Born in Hong Kong and living in Essex with her husband and two children, Pui Man rediscovered baking in lockdown.
She loves to make bold and beautiful bakes, bringing her eye for detail of designing a wedding dress to each of her bakes.
Pui Man is also a volunteer who collects foods from supermarkets to distribute to her local community.
Toby, 29, Warwickshire, Business Development Executive
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Toby works for a fitness start-up, and has a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He loves refuelling after a gruelling workout with his strawberry cheesecake.
He takes a healthy approach to baking, preferring to work with classic recipes and flavours.
His passion is making bread and bakes a loaf every day.
Tom, 31, London, Creative Entrepreneur
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Londoner Tom grew up learning to bake scones and flapjacks from his Mum and Danish Granny.
When he was younger he feared his secret love of baking would out him as gay.
He previously set up an advertising agency, but now focuses on his love of food, cooking for his boyfriend and family, and bringing his creative flair to his beautifully presented bakes.
