Where There's Cake, There's Hope...Bake Off 25

[GetSetFake]

The new series starts on Tuesday 2nd September and the bakers have been named. A few weeks earlier than recent seasons, so taking us nicely from late summer through to the cosiness of autumn.

No change to the team of Paul, Prue, Noel and Alison, which I thought worked well last year - it was a warmer and kinder programme than it has been for a few years.

The usual eclectic mix of contestants, but less of an age spread than some years - a lot of 30 somethings, no-one under 20 or over 60.

Anyone else excited for this season?

The Great British Bake Off confirms return date for season 16 and reveals cast | Radio Times

Yes, it's one of the Cuthberts ads and quite funny. I hope Hassan likes it.

I love this idea. Why don’t you write in and point them at this thread, goodness knows who decided we’d want to see that ridiculous sketch.

Thanks @OMGitsnotgood
I’ve written to them via their “contact us” page on the website. Hopefully they’ll take it on board.

I’ve just written to them also, complaining about the sketch. Maybe if enough of us do it they will listen!

I've written too. I doubt if they'll change it though. I'll just carry on fast-forwarding through those cringey bits.

I loved the first episode. Some really strong bakers this time. Hassan was the right choice to go.

Just caught up this morning... agree that Hassan was the right one to go, he had a bad first week. But I always feel bad for the person to go in week 1.
Can't see Leighton lasting much longer, he had a lucky escape.

Don't know how Iain saved that showstopper! Definitely shows a high level of skill.

Interesting twist on the Technical, I liked it.

Just caught up - agree the right person won star baker and the right person went.

Had a response: thank you for contacting us etc
‘We are sorry to read that you did not enjoy some segments of the programme. Please be assured your comments have been noted and logged to be passed on to the team responsible for the programme. ‘

i.e. a standard response which probably means as much as 'Your call is very important to us... Please hold...'

That’s exactly what I thought @LillyPJ

I often wonder what happens to some previous contestants. Loved Nelly from last year, hope she's doing well

Enjoyed the episode. Bakers seem good except for most not having confidence that there’s no ground almonds in fondant fancies, which even I know from Mr Kipling!

Felt for Hassan: what a disastrous day. Iain made a good recovery from the cake collapse.

Was surprised the ad breaks included an ad for erectile dysfunction medication!

Yes the ad breaks weren't great sat next to my 6 year old!

We have a TV recorder box so delay watching for 15 mins and skip all the ad breaks.

Seems inappropriate to show ads to do with sex during shows popular with families. It’s different from ads for tampons/ sanitary towels.

Was that before 9? Because otherwise it's probably fair enough. If your 6 year old is watching TV after 9, you'd expect to have to navigate adult advertisements. Record, watch at 8.15 and fast forward is definitely the way to go.

Right decision re Star Baker and first to leave.

Lots of hair hanging over cakes 🤮

I do that too.
It’s a shame so many tv providers are getting rid of the advance planning recording facility. 🥲

The skit was way too long and completely unfunny. They should bring back the history bits.
Tom is very handsome. I really like Lesley, and Nataliia. Her Ukraine cake was genuinely beautiful, and it sounded like it was delicious too.
Hassan was sweet, but he just wasn’t good enough.

Ooo how did I miss the start! This is what my DD and I do when she’s away at uni - watch Bake Off together, her on her laptop me on the TV.
And I always think of the year when she was much younger the final coincided with Halloween and after she and her friends came back from Trick o’ Treating they all settled down with pizza to watch! Awww.

I do the same with my DS although sometimes we have to watch the next day because he watches football or - horror- has this thing called a Social Life !

We don't have a recordable box so just watching it on channel 4 on demand. I can't remember if u can forward or not

I do that with my DD too, Sewing Bee as well.

You can’t forward ads on 4od but they often glitch and you only see a blink of each advert.