A 23-year-old Edinburgh woman will become the youngest contestant on The Great British Bake Off this year when the show returns to Channel 4. Jasmine, who is studying medicine in London, will showcase her baking skills alongside 11 other amateur bakers in the 2025 series.
The medical student learned her foundation skills from her mother and aunts, focusing on "using classic flavours and techniques to produce delicious bakes." She represents a new generation of contestants joining the beloved baking competition.
Historic diversity in new series
The 16th series features several groundbreaking contestants, including Jessika, who will be the show's first ever drag king participant. The 32-year-old service designer from Cornwall described the surreal moment of seeing the famous white tent for the first time.
Jessika said: "Seeing the big white tent for the first time was so weird. I've watched the show for years, and entertained the idea that, potentially, maybe, one day, this girl could quite possibly bake up a storm for the judges. But it didn't really hit me until I was standing at my workstation, apron on, looking around at the other bakers and thinking, 'Welp, girl, you made it!'"
The diverse lineup includes Ukraine-born Nataliia, who moved to the UK just before the war broke out with Russia and follows traditional family recipes. Her husband secretly submitted her application without telling her, leading to what she called "the most unexpected phone call."
Contestants' surprising selections
Belfast-based software engineer Iain combines his passion for music with sourdough baking, recreating album cover art on bread crusts. The 29-year-old former amateur powerlifter was stunned when he received his selection call.
Iain said: "When I got the call to confirm my place I was in sheer disbelief, I had no idea it would actually happen. 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!"
Other contestants include two hairdressers - 59-year-old Lesley from Kent and 41-year-old Nadia from Liverpool who blends Indian and Italian flavours with Scouse influences. Business development executive Toby described meeting hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding as surreal but friendly.
Complete contestant lineup
The lineup is completed by bridal designer Pui Man who rediscovered baking during lockdown, plus senior systems architect Aaron, creative entrepreneur Tom, Welsh software delivery manager Leighton, and research scientist Hassan. All twelve contestants bring unique backgrounds and baking styles to the competition.
The Great British Bake Off returns on Tuesday September 2 at 8pm on Channel 4 with judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith alongside hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding. The show continues its tradition of finding diverse amateur bakers from across the UK.
Sources used: "Edinburgh Live", "Yorkshire", "HuffPost UK", "Daily Mail" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
