The Great British Bake Off is set to return later this month with a new cast of 12 bakers competing in the show’s tent. Both outlets report that the programme will feature these 12 contestants as they take part in the competition for the chance to be named Star Baker.
The Independent and the Manchester Evening News both frame the announcement as the line-up for the show’s 2026 season, describing it as a fresh entry into the competition for “season 17.” While the Manchester Evening News focuses more directly on the idea of a full line-up and the contestants’ pursuit of the ultimate winner, The Independent emphasizes meeting the bakers stepping into the tent for the new series. Beyond highlighting that this is a brand new group of contestants, both sources align on the core details of timing and the number of bakers entering the competition.
