The hugely popular Great British Bake Off is poised to return with a sixteenth series on September 2, with a whole new crop of cake creators.
The much-loved baking competition has become an autumn TV tradition, drawing in millions each year for a mix of spectacular showstoppers and kitchen disasters.
12 contestants will go head to head in the famous tent under the watchful eye of returning judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, and hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding.
Among them is a rollerskating drag king, a med student who at 23 is the series’ youngest contestant, and a bridal designer.
Also in the mix is a food influencer who calls himself Yeastie Boy, and has already accumulated over 600k followers across his social media platforms.
Take a look at the 2025 line-up, as the countdown to Bake Off begins.
The hugely popular Great British Bake Off is poised to return with a sixteenth series on September 2, with a whole new crop of cake creators
12 contestants will go head to head in the famous tent under the watchful eye of returning judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith , and hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding
Jessika
Multitalented Jessika is among those hoping to win the coveted Star Baker accolades and a Hollywood handshake or two.
The London-based service designer performs a rollerskating Drag King act and is also a keen gymnast.
The 32-year-old said: ‘Seeing the big white tent for the first time was so weird. I’ve watched the show for years, and entertained the idea that, potentially, maybe, one day, this girl could quite possibly bake up a storm for the judges.’
Taking to Instagram to share the news, Jessika wrote: ‘Golly!! The cake is FINALLYYY out of the oven
‘I can’t believe I’m saying this, but, this girl actually made it into the tent!!!!! As an amateur baker, this is something I’ve wanted for the longest time, and still can’t quite believe it’s happened.
‘I’m beyond grateful for all the love and support I received along the way, and so sorry to everyone I had to keep it from (hands down the hardest secret I’ve ever had to keep!!!).
‘As someone who can be a bit of a worrier, I’m absolutely terrified to watch it back… but also SO excited. So come join the fun, watch me make a mess and whisk it all on The Great British Bake Off!!!’
Multitalented Jessika, who performs a rollerskating drag act, is among those hoping to win the coveted Star Baker accolades and a Hollywood handshake or two
The London-based service designer performs a rollerskating Drag King act and is also a keen gymnast
The 32-year-old said: ‘Seeing the big white tent for the first time was so weird. I’ve watched the show for years, and entertained the idea that, potentially, maybe, one day, this girl could quite possibly bake up a storm for the judges
Jasmine
At 23, Edinburgh-born medical student Jasmine is this year’s youngest hopeful.
The London-based contestant learnt the art of baking through her mother and aunts and has revealed she likes ‘using classic flavours and techniques to produce delicious bakes.’
From her social media, it is clear to see that Jasmine loves cooking and hosting dinner parties for her friends.
At 23, Edinburgh-born medical student Jasmine is this year’s youngest hopeful
From her social media, it is clear to see that Jasmine loves cooking and hosting dinner parties for her friends
The London-based contestant learnt the art of baking through her mother and aunts and has revealed she likes ‘using classic flavours and techniques to produce delicious bakes.
Iain
Former amateur powerlifter Iain gave himself the nickname Yeastie Boy thanks to his penchant for putting album covers onto the crusts of his loaves.
Iain boasts over 400k followers on TikTok and 240k on Instagram, and often shares snaps of his impressive and unique creations.
The 29-year-old software engineer said: ‘When I got the call to confirm my place I was in sheer disbelief, I had no idea it would actually happen.
‘I thought it was a prank at first, I got a call a few minutes after being told and I thought they were going to tell me they made a mistake and I wasn’t actually on the show!’
Announcing the news on Instagram, Iain wrote: ‘Now who let this wee Irish fella on the bake off?! So excited to announce that I’ll be on this year’s Great British Bake Off! Wish me luck guys, I’m gonna need it’
Former amateur powerlifter Iain gave himself the nickname Yeastie Boy thanks to his penchant for putting album covers onto the crusts of his loaves
Iain boasts over 400k followers on TikTok and 240k on Instagram, and often shares snaps of his impressive and unique creations
The 29-year-old software engineer said: ‘When I got the call to confirm my place I was in sheer disbelief, I had no idea it would actually happen
Aaron
Aaron lives in London with his boyfriend Anthony, having moved from Manchester two years ago.
The Senior Systems Architect, 38, is a passionate baker who fuses French patisserie with Caribbean flair.
Always experimenting, he’s currently embracing Asian flavours like miso and yuzu in his mono-portion bakes.
Aaron lives in London with his boyfriend Anthony, having moved from Manchester two years ago
The Senior Systems Architect, 38, is a passionate baker who fuses French patisserie with Caribbean flair
Always experimenting, he’s currently embracing Asian flavours like miso and yuzu in his mono-portion bakes
Pui Man
Bridal designer Pui Man, 51, who was born in Hong Kong but now lives in Essex, rediscovered her passion for baking during the Covid lockdown.
She has shared several of her beautiful cake creations on Instagram, which she has baked for friends and family.
Pui Man volunteers three evenings a week, collecting surplus food from supermarkets and distributing it within her community.
After the announcement, she wrote on Instagram: ‘The secret’s out! After keeping quiet for ages, I can proudly say I baked in the legendary Bake Off tent.
‘It was an absolutely amazing experience, and it was the hardest thing I had ever done.’
Bridal designer Pui Man, 51, who was born in Hong Kong but now lives in Essex, rediscovered her passion for baking during the Covid lockdown
After the announcement, she wrote on Instagram: ‘The secret’s out! After keeping quiet for ages, I can proudly say I baked in the legendary Bake Off tent
Toby
Toby, 29, a business development executive from Warwickshire, said he loves to refuel after a gruelling workout with his strawberry cheesecake.
He shares many of his baking creations on Instagram, and his bio reads: ‘Unapologetically obsessed with baking bread’
Speaking about being on the show, he said: ‘Absolutely INSANE but I’m so proud to announce that I’m a baker this year on The Great British Bake Off!
‘Never could I have imagined I’d be saying it but what an absolute honour it is to be part of the line up. Can’t wait until 2nd September to start watching!’
Toby, 29, a business development executive from Warwickshire, said he loves to refuel after a gruelling workout with his strawberry cheesecake
He shares many of his baking creations on Instagram, and his bio reads: ‘Unapologetically obsessed with baking bread’
Speaking about being on the show, he said: ‘Absolutely INSANE but I’m so proud to announce that I’m a baker this year on The Great British Bake Off
Nadia
There’s another hairdresser in the mix. 41-year-old Nadia is inspired by her Italian chef dad and loves to blend Indian and Italian flavours.
She often shares her gorgeous bakes on social media, as well as sweet family snaps with her two children and her partner.
There’s another hairdresser in the mix. 41-year-old Nadia is inspired by her Italian chef dad and loves to blend Indian and Italian flavours
She often shares her gorgeous bakes on social media, as well as sweet family snaps with her two children and her partner
Hassan
Hassan is a 30-year-old Analytical Research & Development Scientist from South Yorkshire.
With a love for sweet treats inspired by his Pakistani heritage, he’s especially fond of praline and nut-based flavours that echo traditional Asian sweets.
His Instagram bio shares that he is a ‘Self-taught amateur baker,’ and he has started sharing videos on how to recreate his sweet treats.
Chemistry graduate Hassan is inspired by his Pakistani heritage as well as his passion for science, carefully researching before experimenting with his bakes
His Instagram bio shares that he is a ‘Self-taught amateur baker,’ and he has started sharing videos on how to recreate his sweet treats
Leighton
Leighton, 59, originally from Swansea now lives in Surrey and works as a Software Delivery Manager.
Leighton has always done things his own way, ignoring anyone that told him ‘boys don’t bake’.
He grew up playing the organ at his local church and now lives in Surrey with his Californian husband Eric, and their Irish Terrier, Cilla.
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.
Leighton hosted a small party with friends and family to announce that he would be taking part in this year’s series.
Leighton, 59, hails from Surrey and works as a Software Delivery Manager
Leighton hosted a small party with friends and family to announce that he would be taking part in this year’s series
Leighton has always done things his own way, ignoring anyone that told him ‘boys don’t bake’
Natallia
Office assistant Nataliia was born in Ukraine and moved to England with her husband Harry four years ago, just before the war broke out.
They now all live in East Yorkshire with their 3-year-old daughter, Francesca.
She was taught to bake by her grandmother, following traditional recipes that have been handed down through the generations.
She shared on social media: ‘Big news, I’m beyond excited (and a little nervous!) to finally share that I’ll be a contestant on The Great British Bake Off – Series 16 ����
‘It’s an honour to be the first Ukrainian baker in the tent, and I can’t wait to share this adventure with you all — let’s bake, laugh, and enjoy it together each week.’
Office assistant Nataliia was born in Ukraine and moved to England shortly before the war broke out
She was taught to bake by her grandmother, following traditional recipes that have been handed down through the generations
Lesley
Hairdresser Lesley, 53, is also inspired by her family, passing on her kitchen skills to her granddaughter Mabel after falling in love with baking as a child herself, thanks to her Nanny Mable and Auntie Joan.
Hairdresser Lesley, 53, is also inspired by her family, passing on her kitchen skills to her granddaughter Mabel after falling in love with baking as a child herself
She has recently started sharing pictures of her creations to Instagram
Tom
Tom grew up in London and learnt to bake scones and flapjacks alongside his Mum and Danish Granny.
As a teen, Tom feared his secret love of baking would out him, but he is now happily settled down with his boyfriend of three years.
Having stepped back from the advertising agency he set up, he’s recently reconnected with his love for food.
Tom enjoys fishing for Sea Bass with his brother, foraging for mushrooms, and cooking roasts with his dad.
Tom grew up in London and learnt to bake scones and flapjacks alongside his Mum and Danish Granny
As a teen, Tom feared his secret love of baking would out him, but he is now happily settled down with his boyfriend of three years
Having stepped back from the advertising agency he set up, he’s recently reconnected with his love for food
Great British Bake Off 2025: Who are the contestants?
Jessika
Age: 32
Occupation: Service designer
From: London
She says: ‘Seeing the big white tent for the first time was so weird.
‘I’ve watched the show for years, and entertained the idea that, potentially, maybe, one day, this girl could quite possibly bake up a storm for the judges.’
Iain
Age: 29
Occupation: Software engineer
From: Belfast
He says: ‘When I got the call to confirm my place I was in sheer disbelief, I had no idea it would actually happen.
‘I thought it was a prank at first, I got a call a few minutes after being told and I thought they were going to tell me they made a mistake and I wasn’t actually on the show!’
Jasmine
Age: 23
Occupation: Medical student
From: Edinburgh
The London based contestant learnt the art of baking through her mother and aunts and has revealed she likes ‘using classic flavours and techniques to produce delicious bakes.’
Lesley
Age: 53
Occupation: Hairdresser
From: Kent
She is inspired by her family, passing on her kitchen skills to her granddaughter Mabel after falling in love with baking as a child herself, thanks her Nanny Mable and Auntie Joan.
Nadia
Age: 41
Occupation: Hairdresser
From: Liverpool
She is inspired by her Italian chef dad and loves to blend Indian and Italian flavours
Toby
Age: 29
Occupation: Business development executive
From: Warwickshire
Toby takes a stripped back and healthy approach to baking and leans towards classic recipes and flavours as he believes they are classics for a reason.
Pui Man
Age: 51
Occupation: Bridal designer
From: Essex
Pui Man brings attention to detail when it comes to designing a wedding dress, and especially when it comes to her bakes.
Nataliia
Age: 32
Occupation: Office assistant
From: Ukraine
Nataliia was taught how to bake by her grandmother, following traditional recipes that have been handed down through the generations.
Tom
Age: 31
Occupation: Creative entrepreneur
From: London
Tom learnt how to bake scones and flapjacks alongside his mum and grandmother.
After stepping back from the advertising agency he set up, he recently reconnected with baking and brings a creative flair to his beautifully presented bakes.
Leighton
Age: 59
Occupation: Software delivery manager
From: Surrey
Leighton likes to play with traditional Welsh, British and American flavours when it comes to baking, with his favourites like Welsh cakes with peanut butter and Victoria Sponge with key lime pie filling.
Hassan
Age: 30
Occupation: Analytical research & development scientist
From: South Yorkshire
As a scientist, Hassan takes an analytical approach to baking, researching processes thoroughly before getting started on a new recipe.
Aaron
Age: 38
Occupation: Senior systems architect
From: London
Aaron is a passionate baker who fuses French patisserie with Caribbean flair, and is always experimenting with his bakes.
