Entertainment

Great British Bake Off stars in first official picture ahead of new series

There’s a new-look line-up in town, and they’re very bright and colourful.
There’s a new-look line-up in town, and they’re very bright and colourful. There’s a new-look line-up in town, and they’re very bright and colourful.

The judges and presenters for The Great British Bake Off have united for the first official picture ahead of the new series launching on Channel 4.

Returning judge Paul Hollywood joins newcomers Prue Leith, Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding in the photo, in which they all hold up cupcakes while standing behind a table filled with tasty baked treats.

Former Great British Menu star Prue has filled the gap left by Bake Off stalwart Mary Berry, while QI quizmaster Sandi and comedian Noel have replaced former presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.

Prue Leith
Prue Leith
Prue Leith (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)

Mary, Mel and Sue opted to leave the cookery show last year after its production company Love Productions sold the programme to Channel 4 after seven series on the BBC.

They had appeared alongside Paul as a foursome since Bake Off began in 2010.

The show has been a fan favourite and has grown in popularity every year.

Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry
Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry
Paul Hollywood and former Bake Off judge Mary Berry (Mark Bourdillon/BBC/PA)

It puts 12 amateur bakers against each other in the beloved Bake Off tent, each having to undergo three different baking tasks in every episode: a signature bake, a technical challenge and a showstopper piece.

Previous winners include Nadiya Hussain and John Whaite, who have both gone on to have successful cookery and media careers, and last year’s champion Candice Brown.