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.”
Home and Away actor Tristan Bancks is best known for his role as Tug O’Neale on the popular Australian soap and, since leaving the show, has landed a string of impressive roles
Tristan found himself at the heart of numerous high-profile storylines
From its debut in 1989, Home and Away became a must-watch for soap fans With its gripping plotlines and the beautiful backdrop of Summer Bay, it’s no wonder audiences continue to enjoy the Aussie soap after more than three decades. Over its impressive 36-year run, Home and Away has seen a host of stars grace its screens, including Tristan Bancks, who played the character Tug O’Neale. From 1992 to 1994, Tristan was a regular fixture on the soap, having been chosen from among 200 hopefuls for the role.
As Tug, Tristan found himself at the heart of numerous high-profile storylines, tackling issues such as mental health and bullying. However, after two years, he decided to step away from the show to explore new opportunities. After leaving Home and Away, Tristan, now 50, relocated to London for a short time where he secured several presenting roles, including hosting the game show Don’t Try This At Home.
Tristan was friends with Dieter Brummer, who played Shane on Home and Away(Image: Twitter/@tristanbancks)
Upon his return to Australia, Tristan resumed his acting career, with roles in the short film Dust and the 2002 feature Beneath Clouds. He has also ventured into directing, with his short comedy Soar being showcased at both the London Film Festival and Melbourne International Film Festival, reports OK!.
Tristan seemingly remains ever-youthful, and has carved out a successful career as an award-winning author, penning popular children’s and young adult books such as Two Wolves, The Fall, and Detention. His latest work, Scar Town, hit the shelves recently, with Tristan attending a flurry of book launch events.
Tristan doesn’t seem to have aged a day
With over 5,000 followers on Instagram, the ex-soap star frequently offers glimpses into his life as a writer, sharing moments from writing retreats, literary talks, and book festivals.
Beyond his professional achievements, Tristan enjoys a private life with his partner, editorial and wedding photographer Amber Melody. The couple are proud parents to two sons and although he keeps much of his personal life under wraps, Tristan occasionally shares heartfelt posts about his family on Instagram.
He posed with one of his sons for a picture on Instagram in September last year, saying: “First Father’s Day with my eldest son living away in Melbourne. Missed him a lot but he’s doing great things. And I did get to have lunch with my youngest son and his girlfriend and my mum and her husband. And my beautiful wife who I’ve been lucky enough to bring up our two fine boys with. Also, Lego!”
And one Valentine’s Day, he shared an affectionate post for Amber, referring to her as the “love of my life”.
His Instagram caption read: “Happy V Day to the love of my life, Amber Melody. [man and woman in love emoji] Great start to the day with brownie pain au chocolate and croissant French toast (breakfast of champions) at @bambam_bakehouse. :).”
The author happily posed with one of his lookalike sons(Image: Tristanbancksbooks/Instagram)
In another heartwarming post, Tristan uploaded a photo with his sons during a magical trip to Disneyland Paris, expressing that travelling with his family is his “favourite thing to do.”
His books have won and been shortlisted for many awards, including a Children’s Book Council of Australia Honour Book, the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, and the YABBA children’s choice book awards. Scar Town was named the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book of the Year for Younger Readers.
But his talents don’t stop there, as Tristan’s website reports that “he is currently working with producers to develop a number of his books for the stage and screen.”
The new series of Love Island is just days away and a whole host of sexy singletons are about to make their debut in the Spanish sun when the series starts next week
16:30, 02 Jun 2025Updated 16:30, 02 Jun 2025
The new series of Love Island is just days away!(Image: ITV)
The class of Love Island 2025 has been revealed and judging by the lineup, we’re in for a treat! Fans can’t wait to see who waltzes into the villa next Monday when the new series, hosted by Maya Jama, starts up again.
This summer there looks like there’s going to be fireworks under the Spanish sun as hopefuls including a former fire breather and a Maura Higgins lookalike have all signed up for the series. So, as we wait for Monday to see who’s going to be bringing “more drama, more bombshells, more break-ups, more make-ups, and more twists”, here’s a look at this year’s Love Island lineup…
Megan Forte Clarke who recently starred as one of the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella, is sure to bring the drama under the Spanish sun
Megan Forte Clarke
Dubliner, Megan, 24, who recently starred as one of the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella, is sure to bring the drama under the Spanish sun. Talking to her TikTok followers, she compared herself to unlucky-in-love Bridget Jones, musing: “I am the modern day Bridget Jones. Can I hold a man down? Don’t be silly. Have I just been ghosted again? Absolutely. Am I still funny AF with great t*ts? Obvs.
Speaking to the Mail about the inevitable comparisons between Megan and Love Island O.G Maura, a TV source said: “Megan is a gorgeous girl, she’s funny, and right now, couldn’t be unluckier in love, making her the perfect Islander.
“Comparisons to Maura are inevitable and if anything, Megan will see it as a huge compliment.”
Football fan Tommy Bradley is this year’s ‘cheeky chappy’(Image: @_tommybradley_/Instagram)
Tommy Bradley
Love Island casting agents have enlisted a “cheeky chappy” to take part in the latest series of the show. A gym enthusiast named Tommy Bradley will be strutting his stuff on the show next week.
The Londoner, who appears to be an avid fan of Tottenham Hotspur judging by his Instagram account, is said to have undergone a dramatic body transformation in preparation for his time in the villa, with a source telling The Sun: “Tommy seems to tick all the Love Island boxes as the cheeky chappy of this summer’s series.”
Former fire breather, Sophie Lee, who suffered horror burns and was left fighting for her life at the age of 22(Image: Instagram/sophirelee)
Sophie Lee
Former fire breather, Sophie Lee, who suffered horror burns and was left fighting for her life at the age of 22, is next on the list. The Manchester-based dancer, now 29, was involved in an accident when an air-conditioning unit blew flames back into her face.
Sophie is now an influencer and motivational speaker, has worked with Katie Piper’s foundation and released a book in February last year, titled In My Skin.
She wrote at the time on social media: “It’s been a difficult process being so open with the trauma I’ve faced and adversity I’ve had to overcome and to now be at a place of peace has not been easy.”
Footballer Harry Cooksley is also looking for love in the villa.(Image: Instagram/harrycooksley8)
Harry Cooksley
Footballer Harry Cooksley is also looking for love in the villa. The midfielder, 29, has been branded Surrey’s answer to French legend, Zinadine Zidane, as a source told The Sun: “Harry’s got the full package – a great, athletic bod and great chat.
“Love Island’s ladies love a footballer and The Surrey Zidane will be sure to impress as he plays away.”
Personal trainer Dejon Noel Williams is sure to get pulses racing the villa(Image: Instagram/dejonnoelwilliams)
Dejon Noel Williams
Personal trainer Dejon is sure to get pulses racing the villa. The fitness fanatic, who is also a semi-professional footballer, has posted a slew of sweaty snaps of himself at the gym on Instagram.
His bio reads: “I go beyond the gym—helping you build Strength, Confidence & Discipline for life.”
Shakira Khan is also set for Spain(Image: Instagram/Shakira Khan)
Shakira Khan
Shakira, 22, is also set for Spain as she looks like she’s going to ruffle some feathers in the villa.
Sharing a string of saucy snaps from far-flung locations, including Dubai, she told her followers on Instagram: “Haiti cos u ain’t me” as she posed in a silver thong bikini.
Businessman Blu, who graduated from Oxford Brooks university, is based in London(Image: Instagram/bluchegini)
Blu Chegini
Businessman Blu, who graduated from Oxford Brooks university, is based in London but also spends a lot of time in Marbella.
He works for a company in London’s swanky Fitzrovia, which is sure to impress some of the girls in the villa.
Scot, Alima Gagigo, is also hoping to set hearts a flutter in Spain.(Image: Instagram/alimsssx)
Alima Gagigo
Scot, Alima, is also hoping to set hearts a flutter in Spain. A graduate of Caledonian University, she often posts snaps from a number of jaunts, including Portugal, Greece and Spain.
Alima also loves a trip down south to London for a slap-up dinner and cocktails with her friends.
Unlike the rest of the lineup, Kyle Ashman doesn’t have a string of photos on Instagram(Image: Instagram/kyleashmantr)
Kyle Ashman
Unlike the rest of the lineup, Kyle doesn’t have a string of photos on Instagram.
Posting just one photo of himself posed to perfection with a rippling six pack, it seems viewers will have to fill in the blanks when he makes his debut on the show next week.
Megan Moore is another girl who likes to travel(Image: Instagram/megann.mooree)
Megan Moore
Megan is another girl who likes to travel and often posts snaps of herself in the sun on Instagram.
Not much is known about her, however one of her followers replied to a shot of her in a a gorgeous white top and skirt, posing in her her garden, gushing: “Stunning girl!”
Influencer Helena is friends with Love Island star, Zara McDermott,(Image: Instagram/Helena Ford)
Helena Ford
Influencer Helena is friends with Love Island star, Zara McDermott, and looks set to make her grand entrance in the villa next week.
With a TikTok account in which she posts ‘Come with me’ videos as she jets off around the world, she looks like she’ll be one to watch.
Model Ben Holbrough is bound to make a splash when he rocks up in the villa(Image: Instagram/ben.holbrough)
Ben Holbrough
Model Ben is bound to make a splash when he rocks up in Spain next week. Sharing a slew of snaps of himself shirtless on Instagram, he says: “My main line of work is modelling, which I’ve been doing for about five or six years now.
“But when I’m not doing that, my hobbies are either going to the gym or playing football.”
