To a PP who asked how they pick the contestants:
I have a family member who applied, who is a great baker. Has done wedding cakes for friends etc etc. There was a massive application form, she had to give examples of lots if different things she'd baked for different occasions, in different categories (bread, pastry, cake, biscuits etc) as well as lots of more personal questions. Lots of photos also required.
Anyway, she never heard back. Which, given the low-seeming standard this year, seems a bit unfair! Though if course all the bakes she sent photos off weren't done under stress or time pressure so it's not really fair to compare.
I think Paul is off when he says "these are the 12 best amateur bakers in the country" because not all applicants are even seen or tasted. There is obviously a massive initial screening process based on profiling or wanting people with interesting back stories or certain profiles.