Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off returns for its 10th series
The Great British Bake Off (GBBO), the ultimate baking battle where passionate amateur baking fans compete to be crowned the UK’s Best Amateur Baker, returns on Tuesday 27th August 2019 at 8pm on Channel 4. Over the course of 10 hour-long episodes, the series follows the trials and tribulations of the competitors, young and old, from every background and every corner of Britain, as they attempt to prove their baking prowess. Each week the bakers tackle a different baking skill, which become progressively more difficult as the competition unfolds.
Presented by Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding, GGBO judges include Paul Hollywood, one of the UK’s leading artisan bakers and Prue Leith is one of the country’s foremost culinary experts. Among this year’s cohort is Priya, a 34 year old marketing consultant from Leiceater whose first foray into baking started with an after-school baking club at primary school.
Priya, 34
Leicester
Marketing Consultant
Priya’s first foray into baking started with an after-school baking club at primary school. Then, ten years ago she began baking more seriously as a means to help her relax. When she was given a stand mixer as a wedding gift seven years ago, she went ‘baking bonkers’. She now bakes with such enthusiasm that she’s been known to bake bread well into the night and delivers bags of bakes to appreciative friends and family.
A freelance marketing consultant and self-confessed perfectionist, Priya lives in her home town of Leicester with her husband and two children, and is writing her first novel. She’s recently started experimenting with vegan baking and loves tropical, fruity flavours. When her kids are older, she’d love to travel the world tasting sweet and savoury treats – a sort of ‘around the world in 80 bakes’.
*What’s it like having made it into the Tent?
I downloaded the application for Bake Off in 2012 the year I got married but I thought I would never get in. I applied again last year, and then this year I got in and it was so dreamy and unreal. I was in no doubt it would change my life. And it taught me to pursue the things you love, and you just have to go for it.
*In the very first week what special memories do you have of that time?
I think just walking around the grounds and walking into the tent for the first time. And when I saw the field that previous bakers have gazed out on. I heard the music in my ears as I walked down the steps.
*You are asked to make a cake that signifies one of the happiest days of your life. What would it be and why…and what would it be made of?
I would make a fun looking book. Every night we read a story together with my two boys, it would be a picture book decorated with dragons, dinosaurs, fairies and magic. Lots of fondant icing, as that is what my kids love, and a chocolate sponge, as they love that too.
*Who will be the most surprised out of your friends/workmates/family that you have made it to Bake Off [that you haven’t revealed the secret to]?
I have kept in touch with people from work. I have recently left and I think they are going to be the most shocked.
*If you could be stuck in a lift with a previous Baker who would it be and why?
Nadiya – I am so inspired and in awe of her, she is so accomplished – she is the girl next door, someone you could easily have a good conversation with.
Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice
Jo Brand is here, and each week she’ll be shining a light on all the goings on from inside the tent on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice. With the help of a celebrity panel, Jo will be serving up an extra helping of unseen moments straight from the tent, as well as devouring the tasty offerings brought in by the studio audience. And if that isn’t enough, Jo and her panel will also be joined by the latest baker to leave the tent to get all the gossip from their time on the show – highs, lows and soggy bottoms all included.
Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice is on Fridays at 8pm on Channel 4.
For further information visit https://thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk/
