The Great British Bake Off will serve up the first slice of series 16 in just a matter of hours. The long wait is almost over, and it is all so exciting.
Channel 4 has confirmed what time the iconic cooking show will be on TV tonight (September 2). It will start at the same time each week throughout the autumn.
The cast of series 16 was revealed by the broadcaster last month, and they will be heading into the tent dreaming of glory. One of the bakers is hoping to secure a “show first” and make Bake Off history this year.
Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith will be casting their discerning eyes over the latest batch of contestants. Remind yourself of who won last year’s edition - and how fan favourite Dylan reacted.
Meet the 12 bakers who are competing on the show this year. Learn where they are from and what to expect.
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1. Hassan - South Yorkshire - eliminated
30-year-old Hassan from South Yorkshire was the first to leave the Bake Off tent. He is an Analytical Research & Development Scientist and applies his learning to baking. Hassan takes "an analytical approach to baking". Hassan was sent home at the end of episode 1 | Channel 4 Photo: Channel 4
2. Leighton - Surrey - eliminated
59-year-old Leighton was the second baker to be eliminated. Originally from Swansea, proud Welshman Leighton lives in Surrey now and is a software delivery manager. He likes to play with traditional Welsh/British and American flavours, with favourites like Welsh cakes with peanut butter and Victoria Sponge with key lime pie filling. | Channel 4 Photo: Channel 4
3. Pui Man - Essex - eliminated
The third baker to leave the tent was 51-year-old bridal designer Pui Man. Born in Hong Kong and now lives in Essex with her husband and two children. While the other bakers may dream of a Hollywood handshake, Pui Man’s got her eye on the show’s first ever Hollywood hug - unfortunately that remains just a dream after he exit. | Channel 4 Photo: Channel 4
4. Jessika - London - eliminated
32-year-old Jessika was the fourth baker to leave the tent - being eliminated in back-to-school week. She is a gymnastic, roller-skating Drag King whose creations are as vibrant as her personality. Her signature bakes fuse daring flavours like salted mango caramel and cardamom, or Jerusalem artichoke caramel with a dark chocolate mousse. | Channel 4 Photo: Channel 4
5. Nadia - Liverpool
41-year-old Nadia is a hairdresser from Liverpool and she was the fifth baker to leave the tent. Blending Indian and Italian flavours with Scouse spirit, Nadia is a chatterbox bringing warmth and laughter into to every room. For her, baking is all about heart, heritage, and keeping joy at the centre of it all. | Channel 4 Photo: Channel 4
6. Nataliia - East Yorkshire - eliminated
Born in Ukraine, 32-year-old office assistant Nataliia was taught to bake by her grandmother, following traditional recipes that have been handed down through the generations. An economics graduate with an artistic streak, Nataliia loves painting, running, and countryside walks with her Ukrainian rescue dog Aria. She was the sixth baker to leave the Bake Off tent. | Channel 4 Photo: Channel 4