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

I can’t understand how they don’t know to put a hole in a pie to let steam escape

I liked Alison weighing in with her judging too. I thought she was going to give s handshake at one point.

I think jasmine will win as well

Jinx maybe 🤦‍♀️

Jasmine is a natural baker, she just seems to have a flair for it. She seems quite posh, wonder what her background is.

Aaron is getting better over the series too (apart from his gala pie!).

How is Jasmine so stunningly good but not annoying? Maybe because we know she's overcome a real challenge with the alopecia? Or is she just quietly confident without being arrogant? She's so calm and so talented.

I’m surprised as well - its pretty much any pie which needs an air vent. I still have my DM’s ceramic blackbird which acts as a “chimney” in the middle of a pie.

I have a blackbird from my grandad as well

Oh, slightly bitchy Prue there - unexpected.

She is quietly confident and she doesn’t whinge or panic/ get in a flap

Do they still sell such things?

They do

Jasmine would be a very reassuring doctor

Dunelm do...

I could feel the passion in your typing

Danish granny klaxon!!

Endless Danish Granny bingo!

Oh that blooming Danish Granny....

In what way ?

Dunelm appear to

https://www.dunelm.com/product/bird-pie-funnel-1000254489?defaultSkuId=30924657&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Cook_Utensils+and+Food+Prep-PMax_%5BGOO-PLA-COOK-PREP%5D&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20589909535&gbraid=0AAAAADGqyX26FsRf_FKvz7eUx2ht6DOc2&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9JLHBhC-ARIsAK4PhcrwMFIpSG3dYDiLXjgBKdajNxJ-e_i0hgNxIap6VA3EitCa3_wiIGsaAvl_EALw_wcB

I was waiting for the “Danish granny” anecdote.

I wouldn't have a clue what to do for this kind of challenge.

That looks a lot like mine - mine has a longer beak and is a little thinner but otherwise the same.

The DC used to like it in a pie 😂

Is Nataliia (the Ukrainian refugee) making a swan? Worrying...

The bird funnel thing is bigger than I'd imagined. I can understand the appeal for children.