The Great British Bake Off judges Dame Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood have opened up about their judging roles on the popular Channel 4 show and how they’re perceived by viewers
Prue Leith has jumped to the defence of her co-star, Paul Hollywood(Image: Channel 4)
Prue Leith has leapt to the defence of her fellow judge, Paul Hollywood, over his so-called “horrible” image on The Great British Bake Off. Speaking from the iconic tent at Welford Park in Berkshire, the Bake Off judges shed light on their roles and how they’re seen by fans of the Channel 4 programme.
Prue, a South African-born restaurateur, pointed out that they’re perceived quite differently by the public, with her being seen as “kind” and Paul as “horrible”, but when it comes down to the brass tacks of scoring, they’re pretty similar.
The chef disclosed that their chat about the bakes in Cake Corner is generally to “inform and remind” the viewers, as, in reality, Prue and Paul could “do it in two seconds”.
Prue told Radio Times magazine: “The audience often say that I’m kind and Paul’s horrible, but if you look at our scores out of 10, we’re never more than one point apart. I think I’ve given one 10 in nine years… I can’t remember to who though!”.
She continued: “I used to say, ‘It’s not worth the calories’. That is my absolute judgment about any baking, because you know it’s full of fat and sugar, so: ‘Do I really want to eat this? Am I prepared to get fat?'”
However, it appears Prue had a change of heart regarding this particular remark, as people would say they “felt judged” for enjoying cake and thought she was being “fattist”.
Paul stated: “I’ve never given a 10, only a 9.5. A handshake is very close to a 10. These are amateur bakers, but if they get a handshake from me, it means it’s very professional.”
Prue added that Paul often claims he won’t be giving out any handshakes, but inevitably his hand will “come out” when a bake is so impressive that he “can’t resist”. She also mentioned the idea of her own version, the “Prue pat”.
In other developments, Paul, who has been on the show since 2010, reportedly showed a different side away from the cameras. Briony May Williams, who came fourth in the 2018 series, broke down in tears when “every element” of her showstopper went awry.
On the show, the chef labelled her creation “a disaster” as she “overcooked” the mirror glaze and was unfortunately left with uncooked pastry. However, Paul’s off-camera actions revealed a gentler side.
She disclosed: “I never got a [Paul Hollywood] handshake. I did, however, get a Hollywood hug off-camera when I was really upset about my cake on Cake Week, my showstopper, because it was really bad.
“I was upset, I was sat on my bench crying and I realised someone was stood behind me and I turned around and it was Paul.
“He gave me a really big hug and he said, ‘It’s okay it’s only a f*****g cake’. And yeah, that just really made me laugh.”
You can catch The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice on Channel 4 on Friday, October 24, from 8pm to 9pm.
Lesley’s time in the Bake Off tent came to an end after a tough meringue-themed week saw her struggle to impress the judges and become the seventh contestant to leave the competition
22:58, 14 Oct 2025Updated 23:01, 14 Oct 2025
Bake Off fans fume as popular baker becomes seventh contestant to leave show(Image: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)
Hairdresser Lesley has become the seventh baker to be eliminated from The Great British Bake Off after struggling during the show’s first-ever meringue-themed week.
In Tuesday night’s episode, the remaining contestants were faced with three demanding challenges designed to test their precision and patience.
For the signature bake, they were asked to create mini meringue tarts, followed by a classic yet notoriously tricky soufflé in the technical round.
Finally, the showstopper challenge required the bakers to produce a visually impressive meringue ice cream cake – a task that pushed even the most confident contestants to their limits.
Despite her best efforts, Lesley’s bakes failed to impress the judges, and she was told by co-host Alison Hammond that her time in the tent had come to an end.
Business development executive Toby, meanwhile, was named star baker by presenter Noel Fielding after delivering consistently strong results across all three challenges.
Lesley, 59, from Kent, admitted she had expected her departure. “Do you know what, I knew it was coming,” she said.
“It’s like ripping the plaster off! Thanks so much for the experience, it has been amazing. I couldn’t get my meringue right and had resigned myself to the fact I’d be going. But I’m proud that I made it to week seven. The other bakers gave me a massive cuddle, which meant the world.”
Judge Dame Prue Leith praised Lesley for her enthusiasm and warmth throughout the competition. “I’m really sorry to see Lesley go,” she said.
“She’s a remarkable woman and, in a way, she’s my ideal baker – she’s just really having a good time. That’s what Bake Off is all about.”
Following her exit, Lesley reflected on how much she had gained from her time in the famous tent. “I think I’ve grown as a person and feel more confident in myself and my abilities,” she said.
“I’ve learned new skills, trusted my gut feeling, and realised you need to step through fear and take yourself out of your comfort zone, that’s how you grow. I’ve had the time of my life.”
Having baked since the age of ten, Lesley said her highlight on the show was “winning the technical in chocolate week.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to open a small baking school, run a “cake shed” where people can buy homemade treats, and write a cookbook inspired by her late grandmother’s traditional recipes.
Lesley will appear on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice with Jo Brand and Tom Allen on Friday, October 17, at 8pm on Channel 4.
The Great British Bake Off star Iain Ross has been a firm fan favourite on the Channel 4 baking show, but some viewers have only just noticed one thing about him
Samantha Bartlett Assistant Editor, Social News
15:06, 14 Oct 2025
Bake Off fans have ‘worked out who Iain’s lookalike is’(Image: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)
The beloved Channel 4 programme The Great British Bake Off has returned to our television screens as hopeful contestants compete to claim the title of Britain’s finest amateur baker, with Iain Ross, from County Derry, Northern Ireland, already capturing the hearts of countless viewers. Yet some are only now cottoning on to exactly who the 29-year-old software engineer bears a striking resemblance to.
Iain, who harbours a passion for live music alongside his sourdough obsession, originally had zero intentions of gracing the show with his presence, but when his girlfriend Dervla refused to accept defeat, he eventually submitted his application. Channel 4 audiences are undoubtedly thrilled he did, with legions branding him ‘adorable’ across social media platforms.
However, others are now spotting another fascinating detail about him – his uncanny likeness to a particular children’s television character.
Which character might that be, you wonder? None other than Sir Gadabout from the beloved children’s tale Zog, which has since been transformed into an animated BBC production.
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A viewer named Katie recently took to X to highlight the remarkable similarity, penning: “For weeks I’ve struggled to think of who Iain reminds me of and it took my son wearing his Zog pyjamas for me to finally realise that it’s Sir Gadabout. #GBBO.”
Clearly, numerous others shared her observation, as the post accumulated over 66,000 views alongside thousands of likes.
One individual responded: “Thank you. I’ve been thinking exactly the same thing!”.
Meanwhile, another chimed in: “Oh my goodness! Absolutely nailed it!”
A third chimed in: “Thank you, I’ve been so confused why he looked so familiar,” while a fourth said: “You are not wrong!”
A further fan exclaimed: “It’s literally him,” while another simply concurred: “Yes!”
Speaking about securing his spot on the programme, Iain told Radio Times: “Every step of the way I kept it a secret from everyone apart from Dervla, I didn’t think I’d make it to the following stage and I didn’t want to let anyone down.
“Then when I got the call to confirm my place I was in sheer disbelief, I had no idea it would actually happen.”
He added: “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!”.
“I was in the office at work and had to go out to the foyer to take the call and speak in code, everyone who was walking past heading to the toilet looked very concerned and confused.”
Iain, who lives in Belfast with Dervla and their cat Victor, disclosed on the programme that he was planning to pop the question to her, and has since announced on his social media pages that she said yes.
His heartfelt post featured Dervla flaunting a dazzling ring with Crawfordsburn waterfall in Northern Ireland as the stunning backdrop.
Captioning the snap, he penned: “Don’t suppose you know anyone who can make a decent wedding cake?”
He then added: “A picture at this waterfall every year for the past 8 years, and a special lil one to complete the frame.”
The Great British Bake Off finalist Dr Josh Smalley spoke to the Mirror recently about what it’s like to compete on the show, including sharing his thoughts on Alison Hammond
Bake Off finalist Josh Smalley spoke to the Mirror about the Channel 4 show earlier this week
Dr Josh Smalley has revealed what it was like filming the Great British Bake Off. The former contestant, who was a finalist on the Channel 4 show in 2023, shared behind-the-scenes details in an interview with the Mirror this week.
The chemistry researcher and science communicator, 29, competed on the fourteenth series of the show, which aired two years ago. He made it to the final of the baking contest after impressing the judges and was declared a runner-up, with Matty Edgell taking home the trophy instead.
Josh reflected on his experience in the iconic tent in an interview with us earlier this week, ahead of him delivering a talk at the New Scientist Live festival next month. He spoke about the two hosts of Bake Off, the hardest aspect of competing and revealed what happens to leftover cakes.
Josh, who said that he had applied for Bake Off as an opportunity to “challenge” himself, described taking part in the show as the “best experience”. The baker told us that he had dreamed of being on it but never thought he would.
He said that the twelve contestants, who have stayed in touch since filming ended, “instantly just got on”. Josh said that they met at their hotel prior to the first challenge but they only saw judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith “just before the first bake,” which he found to be “quite scary”.
Josh said about the competition: “The saddest part every week was that somebody was gonna have to go home.” He added: “You wanted everybody to do well, because you could see these incredible things coming together all around you. You just want everyone to do their best.”
Asked if he was surprised by any aspect of filming, Josh, who said he had watched the show since it began in 2010, teased that he had expected there to be more time for baking than the deadline viewers are told about. After suggesting that he had thought there to be a “quick break,” he said: “Nope, it’s 2 hours, that’s it!” He added: “It was very strict on that. So you don’t get extra time.”
He later said that the time limits are the “real challenge” for contestants. Josh told us: “All of the bakers on every series, if given unlimited time to make what they wanted to make … they would make an incredible bake. The real challenge is being able to squash all that into 2 hours.”
Speaking about the “stress” and temperature in the tent, he said: “There’s a lot of stressful moments as well [as the fun]. When you’re having to remake something for the third time because it’s not worked right it’s quite stressful.”
Josh also mentioned being critiqued in person by Paul and Prue. He said: “The pressure of having your food judged and being literally nose-to-nose with [the judges] as they dive into it and taste it, and then you’ve got to hear their instant feedback – that was a bit nervy as well.”
Discussing what happens to the leftover bakes that aren’t eaten by the judges, he said: “After a long day’s filming, and there’s a very hungry crew, and bakers, it soon disappears. Don’t worry about that. There’s no wastage at all.”
Josh added that he was keen to try his co-stars’ bakes after hearing any positive feedback from the judges. Speaking about trying each other’s cakes, he said: “We all got a piece of it brought afterwards so we got to try bits of it.”
He continued: “The majority of the bakes on the show are sweet [though], so there comes a point with all the practising as well, where you’ve just … you’re sort of sick of eating cake because you can’t take any more sugar.” He added that any savoury challenges, like bread week, were “the best”.
“They were the best ones because just like you were craving savoury,” he told us. Josh added: “So once it was one of those ones we just … we would all dive in and eat it all.”
Josh appeared on the first Bake Off series co-hosted by Alison Hammond, with her having joined Noel Fielding that year. He said: “She was incredible. She was so lovely and I think [together] they just bounce off each other.”
He said that Alison and Noel had a “great chemistry,” before saying: “I loved it when they came round. They always would come round at the worst time possible, deliberately so.” Josh added that Alison was a “welcomed addition” to the show and that she was on hand to “encourage” the bakers.
Since competing on the show, Josh has remained in the science field, with him now a postdoctoral research associate and science communication champion at the University of Leicester. He also founded the Science Kitchen, described as a “pioneering on-campus kitchen and laboratory” that provides a platform “to educate, entertain, and inspire,” at the university.
Discussing his decision to remain in that industry, he said: “I just thought that it would be an amazing opportunity to try and use the platform of the Bake Off to be able to do what I’ve always done and just do it on another scale up. […] Now, I get to blend my two passions of the baking and the chemistry, and I get to go and do all sorts of online videos, and shows and talks all the way round the country and get to educate the public and young audiences all about science and baking, and hopefully make science, chemistry in particular, interesting, engaging, accessible but through the means of food, which we all love.”
He’s now preparing for a talk at New Scientist Live, which promises “talks, immersive exhibitions and boundary-pushing science experiences” at ExCeL, London, next month. Josh said that the event will have “an amazing array of speakers”.
Teasing his talk, the Spooktacular Science of Baking, which is being held on October 19, Josh said that it will feature a vomiting pumpkin and chemical reaction display. There will also be bakes and chemistry demostrations. Josh added: “Delving into and close up as to what’s actually going on in our bakes.”
Speaking about baking, he said: “You just follow the recipe and then you get the result at the end.” He added about introducing the science behind it: “You just see people’s reaction to actually then think, something that they have made or been doing for years and years and years, suddenly now someone has told them actually why we do that.”
He gave examples such as why a recipe may require room temperature butter or ingredients being used in a certain order. Josh said: “It’s really fun to be able to actually explain, from a chemistry point of view, what’s actually happening there.”
Further promoting his talk, he said: “We know we all love to be in the kitchen, either eating what we’ve made, or having a go and playing around experimenting. So if you like food, and you want to learn a little bit more about how baking and how cooking works, then this is the talk for you.”
Josh continued: “Also, you’re gonna get a little sprinkle of the science [behind it] as well.” He then added: “And it’s gonna have a few sort of like pops and bangs and fizzes and things so it will be a nice, immersive experience.”
Comedian and reigning Strictly Come Dancing champion Chris McCausland will appear on a BBC Two quiz show alongside Great Briths Bake Off’s Sandi Toksvig
23:50, 17 Sep 2025Updated 23:51, 17 Sep 2025
Chris McCausland will join Sandi Toksvig for QI
Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris McCausland will be a guest on comic quiz show QI when it returns to BBC Two in October. The show, in which obscure questions are asked in a funny way to get guests to answer incorrectly, will soon start a new season, Series W.
Sandi Toksvig will return to host the show, which she has done since 2016, following the departure of Sir Stephen Fry. Like always, she will be joined by comedian Alan Davies, the only permanent guest on the show, and an array of other comedians making appearances in single episodes. These guests will also include comedians such as Jimmy Carr, Aisling Bea, Rosie Jones, Nish Kumar, Jo Brand and Julian Clary.
This is not Chris’s first time on QI, as he also appeared in a Series S episode called Smörgåsbord, with Jen Brister and Jimmy Carr. The comedian has been on a number of comedy panel shows, including Would I Lie To You?, Have I Got News For You, and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Chris will be on the next series of QI(Image: ITV)
Of Series W, QI series producer Piers Fletcher said: “We had a whale of a time making the W Series of QI. After 23 years learning how to weave together wisdom, wit and whimsy, we’re really getting the hang of it, I think. Watch it, and thank me later.”
There will be 14 of the longer QI XL episodes, which will last 45 minutes. The series will also feature two 30-minute specials. The episodes will also be available on iPlayer in October, though the exact launch date has yet to be announced.
He won Strictly with Dianne Buswell
Launching in 2003, QI is over 20 years old. It sees celebrity contestants like Chris answer sometimes misleading questions in an attempt to trick them into an “obvious but wrong” answer, for which they incur a forfeit.
Sandi, 67, has hosted the show for nine years, and also recently announced a new show called Sandi Toksvig’s Hidden Wonders, which will see her hunt for undiscovered archaeological treasures.
The former Great British Bake Off presenter also hosted Sandi’s Great British Woodland, which saw her buy a patch of neglected woodland and set about restoring, managing and conserving it for future generations, earlier this year.
Sandi and Alan will also return for QI(Image: BBC/ Brian Ritchie/Talkback)
The comedian, who is blind, also won Strictly Come Dancing last year with Dianne Buswell. The pair won the memorable moment award at the BAFTA TV Awards for their moving waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Dianne will be appearing on the show in the upcoming season, which launches on 20 September. The Australian dancer has also revealed she is pregnant. She and her partner, Joe Sugg, first met at a dance competition in 2018.
It was another tense night in Bake Off tent as the bakers took part in biscuit week, but away from the bakes one contestant couldn’t help but admit she has the hots for Paul Hollywood
The 11 remaining bakers were back in the tent for the second episode of The Great British Bake Off tonight, as they took part in biscuit week.
As ever, things were heating up in the tent, and things are about to get even hotter next week as a preview saw one contestant admitting to their ‘secret crush’ on Paul Hollywood.
Bridal designer Pui Man, 51, found herself in danger on the Channel 4 show tonight after having a nightmare in the technical challenge with her hobnobs. However, she hasn’t seemed to let it get her down, as she’s set to go one step further to impress Paul next week.
Pui Man was heard making a cheeky comment about Paul Hollywood in a snippet for next week(Image: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)
Next week, the bakers are set to face their biggest challenge yet, bread week. With a savoury signature, a deep fried technical and a towering Showstopper, who will be the next to leave the tent?
Channel 4 are keeping it top secret until next Tuesday night, but one thing they aren’t keeping secret is baker Pui Man’s ‘crush’ on Hollywood.
In a preview for next week, which aired at the end of tonight’s episode, Noel Fielding can be seen asking the contestant: “What is it about Paul kneading bread that you like?”
“Very sexy,” Pui Man laughed, as Noel added: “With his blue eyes and a husky voice!”
The contestants weren’t the only one dropping secrets however, as Noel revealed one just seconds in to tonight’s episode.
Asked by co-host Alison Hammond what his favourite biscuit was, the IT Crowd star cheekily replied: “Not many people know this about me, but at midnight, I like to get naked, glue feathers onto myself and put party rings on my eyes and pretend to be an owl.
At the end of a dramatic episode, it was revealed that Leighton would be the second baker to leave the 2025 series, with his biscuits being called ‘a bit wet’ by the judges.
“Someone had to go right?” he said, as the rest of the bakers were left in tears. “I’ve had the most fun on Bake Off, I’ve loved it. I’ve had the opportunity and then I’ve come up against these amazing bakers.”
Fans were left gutted with Leighton’s departure, as one wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “feel sad Leighton is gone I liked him but glad pui man is still in the game.”
A second penned: “Leighton i will miss you so bad :((,” while a third wrote: “Happy for Pui Man but NOT LEIGHTON!!”
One contestant has already been sent home on this year’s Great British Bake Off as viewers didn’t think it came as a surprise following a few clues along the way
Great British Bake Off has sent home its first baker of the series(Image: Channel 4 / Laura Palmer)
Great British Bake Off fans were convinced they knew who would be the first contestant to be sent off after spotting some telling clues. The hit Channel 4 baking competition made its long awaited comeback on Tuesday night.
Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith welcomed 12 new bakers into the iconic tent for a fresh round of the competition. However, things didn’t get off on an easy start for Cake Week.
The judges ramped things up by withholding the instructions during the technical challenge and set the bakers a tough showstopper challenge before deciding who would be first out.
Hassan became the first contestant to be sent home(Image: CHANNEL 4)
Before Prue and Paul revealed who would be going home already, some viewers were convinced they knew who it would be. One said: “I hear everyone saying Hassan has a chance but like he’s messed up 2 challenges whereas Iain has won one, unless Hassan does an amazing cake idk mannnnn.”
Another added: “Im not sure Hassan is surviving this week…” Someone else commented: “Ohhh Hassan. Poor guys caramel done him completely. Absolutely brutal.”
A fourth wrote: “If it ain’t Hassan, then Im sensing a first week ‘nobody is going’.” Sadly, it was Hassan that was sent packing after just the first episode.
After his exit, Hassan admitted: “I had a strong inkling I was out after the judging for my Showstopper, so when I heard my name, I thought ‘Damn, I guess that’s it for me then’.
“I remember Prue coming up to give us a big hug first, then turning left and having a huge queue of people lined up to give us a hug – the support from all of them felt reassuring to me and helped cheer me up a lot.”
Hassan said he would stick to his day job but continue to bake as a hobby. “In terms of my goals in the overall baking world, I don’t have any plans,” he said.
Revealing what fans can expect, host Alison teased: “You’ve got six men and six women from all over Britain. They’re all really exciting bakers. It’s not just about the baking for them. They’ve got families and really good jobs as well.”
While Prue added: “This year we had quite a lot of designers and engineers, and it showed in their baking. They were so much better at construction.”
“They just take it so seriously. It’s like a science to them, because that’s how they are within their work,” Alison continued. People are going to be blown away.
“There’s a few failures as well, as to be expected. It’s going to be so much fun. Paul’s on form, Prue’s on form, Noel is just so funny. It’s classic Bake Off. We say it every year but it’s a wonderful series.”
The Bake Off contestant has over 400k followers on TikTok thanks to this unusual hobby, which may soon feature in the hit show
The Great British Bake Off returns to screens tonight, with a new batch of 12 contestants all ready to be introduced in the first episode. While this will be the first step into the spotlight for most of the bakers, one is already famous thanks to his peculiar hobby.
Iain Ross, 29, is a baker from Belfast who only started baking in his early 20s but has already amassed over 400k followers on TikTok. In his videos, which have attracted millions of likes, Iain paints musicians’ faces and album covers onto his bakes using edible foot colouring.
Taylor Swift, Queen, Oasis and more have all been painted on to a variety of baked goods, but most commonly bread. “It’s a really fun hobby to have a clash of worlds,” Iain told BBC Radio Ulster. “I have my baking and my love of music so I try to marry the two together the best I can.”
Bake Off contestant Iain Ross paints musicians onto his bakes(Image: Instagram)
After he posted the news that he was joining the next series of Bake Off to his Instagram and TikTok, Iain’s fans flocked to the comments to share their excitement. One wrote: “This is so epic, I’ve been following you for so long, congrats!”
Another commented: “Best music taste to ever touch Bake Off and you’re amazing at baking.” Many also asked Iain to bring his signature artistic decoration to the show.
However, it’s not certain Iain will make it to Bread Week, as the teaser for the first episode shows a struggle for the Irish baker. In the ‘first look’, Iain is trying to mend his cake, which has fallen apart in the tent.
Reacting to his chocolate cake, he’s heard saying: “Oh God! Urgh! It’s just fallen apart.” He is then shown to scrape bits from the tray in an effort to put the cake back together.
Cake Week on Bake Off is a rough start for some(Image: ITV)
When the footage was shown on Lorraine Kelly’s talk show, the presenter teased that it looked like something she would bake and that it hasn’t started well for the baker.
Iain himself has described his time on the show as “chaotic”, telling the BBC that he thinks it will make good TV.
“The main word from my experience is chaotic,” he said. “I have a lot of plates spinning at a lot of times and if there’s one thing about me it’s that I’m not very good with multiple plates spinning, but I think it’ll make for good viewing.”
Luckily for Iain and his fans, it seems many of the contestants may have struggled in tonight’s episode. The teaser for Cake Week promised wonky cakes, over-baking and cake that Paul Hollywood says “looks like it fell out of a tree”.
Alison Hammond encourages viewers to be supportive of Bake Off contestants(Image: Channel 4 / Love Productions)
Before the show began, Bake Off host Alison Hammond asked viewers to be supportive of the bakers, as it can be difficult when bakes go wrong. In a video message, she told fans: “It’s a magical experience they’ll never forget. What you don’t see at home are all the hours of hard work they put in behind-the-scenes.”
“So when something goes wrong in the tent, it can really hit hard. They’re all real people with real feelings who love baking and they’re just trying their best. So please, remember – it might look easy from the sofa at home but in the tent, it’s a whole other story.”
The Great British Bake Off returns tonight on Channel 4 at 8pm.
The Bake Off judges and Alison Hammon explain the secret ingredients that keep hit series on track
00:00, 26 Aug 2025Updated 00:01, 26 Aug 2025
Bake Off is back on Channel 4 next week with the usual line up of judges Paul and Prue and hosts Alison and Noel(Image: Channel 4 / Love Productions)
The Great British Bake off will celebrate its 150th episode during the new series – and judge Prue Leigh hopes to create a slice of TV history herself.
Prue and Paul Hollywood are in charge once again of deciding which cakes are up to scratch. And the restaurateur, broadcaster, cookery writer and novelist loves the idea of still being on the Channel 4 show in her Nineties.
“Why not? I mean, I’m asked this question all the time and I always say the same thing: ‘I’ve got to give up some time, but I’m loving it.’ I just enjoy it. I look forward to it. I mean, it’s a lovely job for goodness sake. It’s a wonderful job, so I love it, but I want to go before I’m pushed.
Alison Hammond insists Prue is the naughty one who stays up late(Image: Channel 4 / Love Productions)
“I don’t want some poor executive to have to come and say to me: ‘You know, Prue, I’m just wondering… you are 87 or something. Do you not think it’s time you just stepped down?’ I don’t want somebody to have to do that.
“And I shouldn’t say this, because they’ll cut my pay in half, but it’s such a piece of cake to do. It’s so easy. All I have to do is walk on, eat cake, walk off and get paid. What could be easier or nicer? And so it’s not an effort. Even at 5 o’clock in the morning, you don’t feel “Oh, I’ve got to go to work.” It’s not at all stressful. So I don’t think I’m conscious, at all, when we’re doing it, that we have to keep this show nice because
it’s somebody’s stress-free zone, it’s somebody’s therapy, it’s somebody’s quiet time when they can be with their family. It is all of those things, and I’m very glad it’s all of those things, but when we’re actually doing it, we’re just having a good time.”
Prue is now 85 but is often the last one standing when it comes to wrap parties on the Channel 4 series. Host Alison Hammond, who works alongside Noel Fielding added: “They say me and Noel are the naughty ones, but really and truly, it’s Paul and Prue. They’re the naughty ones. They’re the ones who are up late. We’re in bed by eight. Not together. Obviously.”
Bake Off returns next week for the 16th series. The new batch of 12 contestants features a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a drag king and two hairdressers hoping to make the cut.
Paul Hollywood believes the show, which moved from BBC1 to Channel 4 in 2017, should continue long beyond Prue and even his reign as judge. For him the show has proven itself and cemented a place on TV for the long haul.
Paul Hollywood is the only original member of the Bake Up line up from the BBC years(Image: Channel 4 / Love Productions)
He said: “There should be a Bake Off forever now. Obviously, not in the current line-up. We will all go. But I think it should stay. It is an institution. It’s a cult now. It’s found its feet. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t go on.”
Prue added: “Like Match of the Day or something. There are some shows that just go on. It’s been going for 16 years. And what happens is the bakers know the atmosphere before they come in and they sort of join the club and they know how to behave. Very seldom, once or twice, we’ve had somebody who comes in at the beginning, who’s a bit not on the vibe. Not this year, but I remember one woman particularly wanting to diss her rivals and that didn’t last. She got it. She changed.”
Turning to discuss the competition, Paul says there are slightly less Hollywood handshakes than usual but the standard is v high. “If I don’t give a handshake it is ‘Paul’s been stingy’ if I give out too many it is Paul is ‘devaluing them’” he explains.
“I think this is an exceptional year. I think the standard of the baking has been phenomenal. I was really shocked – it was unbelievable. Proper borderline-professional from the off. And the bakers all bonded really quickly as well. Straight out of the traps, there were a number of bakers that made me think ‘Wow, we’re in for a good year.’ And it is a really good year.
The new series also sees two new ‘themes’ with Meringue week and Back To School with lots of cake and custard presumably on the cards. But for all the themes and new challenges it is very much a show about the bakers themselves too.
Host Alison said: “People fall in love with the bakers. That’s the crux of it. It’s all about the bakers. We could be replaced at any moment, but the bakers are what’s driving the show.”
Paul added: “What changes is the bakers every year, but the bakers are the people who bring the character to the show and they have done. They are amazing bakers and really nice people.
“The standard of baking overall since series one has got better and better. That’s not to take anything away from the bakers in series one, they were of their time, but the baking has improved. The challenges are a little more tricky. But they’ve all risen to the challenge and created things that have been really incredible.”
* The Great British Bake Off starts next Tuesday September 2, stream or watch from 8pm on Channel 4.
Bake Off: The Professionals continues on Channel 4 tonight with chefs putting their careers on the line, while Helen, Jules and JB head to Pembrokeshire in their new Channel 5 show
Bake Off: The Professionals airs its semi-final tonight(Image: Channel 4 / Laura Palmer)
Bake Off: The Professionals continues on our screens tonight – and the chefs are set to take on the most demanding challenge yet. In tonight’s (Tuesday 22 July) episode of the Channel 4 show, the semi-final gets under way as they compete in the Bake Off spin-off.
Not only is the nation watching as their souffles sink, but if Cherish and Benoit belittle their Bakewell tarts they know their bosses will be taking notes at home too…
With their reputations on the line, four teams of pastry pros nervously approach the semi-final. Tonight’s challenges are chocolate-themed, and there will be extra scrutiny from guest judge Gabriella Cugno, who worked as the official chocolatier on the blockbuster film Wonka. Gabriella knows exactly how to make delicious choccies look magical, and that’s what will be required from the teams tonight.
Cherish and Benoit on Bake Off: The Professionals(Image: Channel 4 / Laura Palmer)
First up, they must craft two different types of chocolate bar from scratch, and with no recipe to follow they are free to unleash their imaginations. Fun as it sounds, it’s quite the test for these bakers, who usually deal in cake rather than confectionery. Then it’s onto one of the most demanding showpiece challenges in the show’s history – ‘Floating Cities’.
The judges require the teams to create an edible, ornate, sturdy vessel, that will float on water carrying 24 immaculate petit fours. Of course, the wondrous treats will need to taste spectacular too, and each dessert must be identical to its neighbour. It’s a tantalising prospect, and the results are sure to be stunning – but not everyone will make it through to next week’s final. Imagine spending hours labouring on a sugary boat of dreams, only to be sent home…
Bake Off: The Professionals airs tonight at 8pm on Channel 4.
Coastal Adventures with Helen, Jules and JB
We’ve heard of whale watching, but tonight Jules Hudson is on the Pembrokeshire coast, trying to photograph porpoises. He’s taking part in a major conservation project run by Sea Trust Wales to protect the creatures, who prove quite difficult to spot.
Jules has definitely got the plum job this week, while poor Helen is thrown into cold waters, going surfing in Tynemouth. It turns out the North East is becoming quite the hotspot for the sport, and the quay is also home to wonderful fishing traditions, which she enjoys before tucking into a stunning seafood lunch – not such a short straw after all.
Later, JB reveals that Norfolk’s finest export, Colman’s mustard, owes its flavour to the sea air (who knew?), before setting sail from Burnham Overy Staithe. He hopes to emulate Nelson, but even with local skipper Ash giving him the best tuition, JB isn’t exactly a natural on the water…
Coastal Adventures with Helen, Jules & JB airs tonight at 8pm on Channel 5.
Mix Tape
Mix Tape has proven to be popular with TV fans(Image: BBC)
It’s finally time for Alison and Daniel to meet up in Sydney, as they bite the bullet and meet for dinner. The electricity is still there between them, but when he broaches the subject of why she did a runner all those years ago, Alison clams up and asks for the bill.
Daniel is left confused and frustrated. At the same time his marriage is dealt another blow as Kat reacts badly to his revelation that he’s in Australia for work. Who does Dan really want to be with – and do either of the loves of his life want to be with him anymore?
As Alison deals with seeing Dan again – and her manager begs her to travel to England for publicity – she considers whether it’s time to tell him what really happened in Sheffield. Meanwhile, flashbacks give us a glimpse of the turmoil Alison was facing at home in 1989.
Mix Tape airs tonight at 9pm on BBC Two.
Emmerdale
Robert and Kim are all set for a secret meeting to hand over Annie’s Field, but Robert senses something isn’t quite right. He backs out of the deal, leaving Kim exasperated. Robert does some digging.
John is frustrated that Cain is still miserable, despite the news about Owen. Struggling with his emotions, Cain grills Liam. Liam insists he can’t break patient confidentiality and the pair come to blows.
Later, John feels guilty after a conversation with Liam, and messages the helpline again.
EastEnders
Julie and Phil can’t seem to agree on what’s best for Nigel. Billy convinces Phil he needs to try harder with her, despite their differences.
Linda talks to Oscar and reveals the truth about Annie’s paternity. She panics when he wants to tell Max. Linda finds Lauren, and insists she needs to change Oscar’s mind.
Avani tries to tell Priya she’s pregnant, but holds back. Later, Suki spots Avani looking at a family planning website.
A mix of stories grace the front pages of Saturday’s papers. “Britain will bake in 36C heat” declares the Daily Express as it reports on the “heat dome” engulfing Europe. The paper says sweltering temperatures on Monday could make it “the hottest June day ever” and the highest in three years. In contrast, Emma Raducanu is pictured alongside as “all smiles in the Wimbledon sun”.
The NHS’s new boss has criticised the health service for viewing patients as “an inconvenience” and “built mechanisms to keep them away”, the Daily Telegraph reports. In an interview with the paper, Sir Jim Mackey says the NHS is too often “deaf to criticism” and has “made it really hard” for patients to get the care they need. Also looming on the front page is a photograph of newly married couple Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in her wedding gown. The pair’s opulent £154bn ceremony in Italy took place on the Venetian island of San Giorgio Maggiore on Friday.
The Times follows with their NHS story on patients having a greater say on how much hospitals are paid by rating their treatment experiences. In plans to “rewire” the health service, pay for doctors and nurses will be linked to patient satisfaction and a hospital’s ability to bring down waiting lists, the paper reports. An interview with Sir Rod Stewart is also previewed with the singer offering his political assessment, saying “we’re fed up with the Tories”.
The Financial Times leads with Sir Keir Starmer’s “welfare climbdown” as it says the PM has “blown a £4.25bn hole” in his budget after retreating on cuts to disability benefits and pensioner subsidies. The paper warns the move could raise the likelihood of further tax hikes and risks damaging the government’s credibility with investors. Elsewhere, the “A-listers and hecklers” who flocked to Bezos’s Venice wedding extravaganza also earns a prime photo spot.
Supermarkets will be required to promote fruits and vegetables instead of junk food under new plans, the i Paper says. It reports that Labour ministers are drawing up proposals to push shoppers to make healthier choices and stores will need to report on how successful they are at persuading customers to “swap potatoes for sweet potatoes”.
The Daily Mail promotes their Stop The SAS Betrayal campaign with new backing from a former royal aide and SAS officer. The paper is calling for Northern Ireland veterans who served during the Troubles to be protected from “legal which hunts”. Sharing the top spot is a smiling Raducanu, with the Mail teasing the “tantalising clues” that reveal the tennis star has found a “love match” with a Wimbledon champion.
An exclusive in the Sun says police are under fire for wasting time investigating “non-crime hate incidents”, including the case of a man singing the Flower of Scotland anthem at an English railway station. The paper sums up the affair as a “tartan barmy”.
The Daily Mirror spotlights the “heartbreaking tribute” by Daniel Anjorin’s father, after the schoolboy’s killer was jailed for 40 years. Dr Ebenezer Anjorin remembers his son as a “kind and generous spirit that touched everyone who knew him”.
Finally, the Daily Star features Luke Littler’s “Darty in the USA” as the darts player says he is ready to “crack America” with his “arrows heroics” across the pond.
A former star of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here has reportedly signed up for the latest edition of the Bake Off in a Stand Up To Cancer special
23:59, 03 Jun 2025Updated 00:02, 04 Jun 2025
Bake Off is gearing up for a Stand Up To Cancer special(Image: PA)
The latest famous face to be signed up for the Great British Bake Off is said to have been confirmed. Former I’m A Celebrity star Babatunde Aleshe has reportedly agreed to another reality TV show following his stint in the jungle.
The comedian, 38, starred on the ITV show Down Under in 2022, and is now said to be ready to test his culinary skills. It’s claimed Babatunde will take part in the Stand Up To Cancer special of the hit Channel 4 show.
“Babatunde is guaranteed to be hilarious and will no doubt have plenty of banter with Paul, Noel, Caroline and Alison,” a source said.
Babatunde in I’m A Celebrity in 2022(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Speaking to the Sun, the TV insider continued: “‘He’s not known for his prowess in the kitchen so there’s sure to be some panicky moments laced with the good humour he’s known for.
“His energy on the Gogglebox sofa has always been pure positivity and very infectious, and bosses are hoping he’ll bring that to the tent.”
Other names reportedly signed up for the unique edition include JoJo Siwa. and Molly Mae Hague. Hot on the heels of her Celebrity Big Brother appearance – where she met Chris Hughes – the Dance Moms star is claimed to be set for another UK reality TV show.
Now it has been reported that JoJo will be popping up on Channel 4 and testing out her culinary skills. A source claimed: “This is a bit of a coup for the Bake Off because Jojo is currently one of the most talked about young stars on TV right now.
“She’s barely had time to catch her breath, leaving CBB last month amid huge media attention and heading straight into another huge show this month. It’s also a fantastic gig for her because although she already has a fanbase over here, the cookery contest also introduces her to a wider British audience,” the source added to The Sun.
JoJo Siwa is tipped to take part in the celebrity version of Bake Off(Image: Channel 4)
“Plus she got plenty of experience of cooking in front of the cameras while she was on Celebrity Big Brother, though this time she won’t have hunky Chris to distract her.”
JoJo and Chris’ budding friendship stole the show in the Big Brother house. Speculation was rife they were more than just friends, with JoJo revealed to have dumped fiance Kath Ebbs at the wrap party.
Snaps have since emerged of the singer kissing the 32-year-old former Love Island star while they were on holiday together in Mexico. They have continued to pair special mentions to each other on social media following their exit from the CBB house.
GREGGS has launched its summer menu for 2025 and it includes a new bake and biscuit-inspired iced latte that fans will go crazy for.
The high street favourite has added a wave of new options to its shelves, with new spicy chicken sandwiches, summer drinks and sweet treats joining the line-up.
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The new menu includes a biscuit-inspired iced-latteCredit: Greggs
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A Red Pepper, Feta and Spinach Bake is also joining the menuCredit: Greggs
Available in shops nationwide from tomorrow, May 15, the new menu includes a Red Pepper, Feta & Spinach Bake, which has already been dubbed “lush” by excited followers on Instagram.
The Mediterranean-style pastry will cost £2.10.
For coffee lovers, the new Caramelised Biscuit Latte is proving to be the star of the show.
Available hot from £2.75 or iced from £3.10, it’s inspired by the popular Lotus Biscoff biscuit.
Greggs has also upped its hot sandwich offering, introducing a new Korean Chicken range.
It features a Korean Crispy Chicken Burger from £4, a BBQ Chicken Wrap from £3.80, and a Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Baguette from £3.60 – all part of its Hot Sandwich, Wedges & Drink Deal.
A new Chicken, Sweetcorn and Red Onion Pizza slice is also joining the menu, priced from £2.40, available as part of Greggs’ after-4pm Pizza Deal.
On the sweeter side, there’s a Lemon Meringue Muffin from £1.55, which can be paired with a hot drink in a meal deal.
Customers can also pick up Plenish wellness shots, with Ginger Immunity and Turmeric Recovery options both priced at £1.55 and a fat-free Greek Style Yogurt with Strawberry Compote, priced from £1.55.
The new menu is available for in-store purchase, click and collect via the Greggs app, and delivery through Just Eat and Uber Eats.
Greggs posted the announcement online with the caption: “Babe wake up, Greggs summer menu just dropped!!”
Fans shared their excitement for the new menu.
One customer wrote: “That biscuit latte looks so good”, others agreed saying: “the latte looks amazing”.
A third said: “could really go for that lemon muffin”.
Whilst another added: “need that chicken sandwich, yum”.
But not everyone is thrilled by the new launch.
Comments were quickly flooded with complaints from fans asking where the vegan options were.
“This is so disappointing, where’s the vegan stuff?” one user asked.
Another added: “Give the vegans what they want for gods sake.”
Customers were hoping the veganuary menu signalled a long-term commitment to expanding Greggs’ vegan offering, but many have been left disappointed by its absence from the summer launch.
Greggs new summer menu items and prices
All items will be available in shops nationwide from Thursday May 15
Drinks Caramelised Biscuit Latte (hot) – from £2.75 Iced Caramelised Biscuit Latte – from £3.10
Sweet Treats Fat Free Greek Style Yogurt with Strawberry Compote – from £1.55 Lemon Meringue Muffin – from £1.55 (Part of Sweet Treat & Hot Drink Deal)
Wellness Shots Plenish Ginger Immunity Shot 60ml – from £1.55 Plenish Turmeric Recovery Shot 60ml – from £1.55
Hot Food (Part of Hot Sandwich, Wedges & Drink Deal) Korean Crispy Chicken Burger – from £4.00 Korean BBQ Chicken Wrap – from £3.80 Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Baguette – from £3.60 Red Pepper, Feta & Spinach Bake – from £2.10
Cold Sandwiches (Part of Cold Sandwich & Drink Deal) Korean BBQ Chicken Flatbread – from £3.50 Roast Chicken Salad Sandwich – from £2.75 Roast Chicken Salad Roll – from £3.30 Roast Chicken with Honey Mustard Mayonnaise Oval Bite – from £3.50 Cheese & Onion Roll – from £3.30
Pizza (Available after 4pm – Part of Pizza & Drink Deal) Chicken, Sweetcorn and Red Onion Pizza – from £2.40
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Fans have shared their excitement over the new Korean Chicken BurgerCredit: Greggs
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The Greggs Chicken Salad Roll will be a cold meal deal optionCredit: Greggs
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The Chicken Mayo Salad Sandwich will retail for £2.75Credit: Greggs
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The Cheese and Onion Roll will also be a cold meal deal optionCredit: Greggs
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The new menu includes a Korean Chicken BaguetteCredit: Greggs
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It will also offer a Korean Chicken Wrap alternativeCredit: Greggs
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The Korean BBQ Chicken Flatbread will retail for £3.50Credit: Greggs
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The new Caramelised Biscuit Latte is also available as a hot drinkCredit: Greggs
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Customers can also purchase a Yogurts with Strawberry CompoteCredit: Greggs
