The Great British Bake Off 2026 start time, full line-up, new judge and everything you need to know

The 17th season of The Great British Bake Off will kick off on Tuesday, September 22.

As the weather gets colder, and the evenings get darker, there really is only one thing you can do- cwtch up on the sofa with a cuppa and chuck the telly on.

When it comes to the colder months there is nothing better than fleeing from the depressing weather and watching some good TV that warms you up inside. Luckily, the autumn season often sees the return of some much-loved TV classics including Strictly Come Dancing and of course The Great British Bake Off.

The popular baking competition series first aired in 2010, and since then it has garnered quite the cult following with viewers of all ages thanks to its delicious looking bakes and relatable contestants.

The Great British Bake Off, better known to fans as GBBO, will soon be returning to our screens ready for us to get some cooking inspo before Christmas.

So, here’s everything you need to know about The Great British Bake Off 2026. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter

How and when to watch The Great British Bake Off 2026 ?

The Great British Bake Off is returning to our screens, and sooner than you think. The 17th season will kick off on Tuesday, September 22.

You can watch GBBO on Channel 4 and Channel 4 Streaming from 8pm every Tuesday.

This year there will also be a new spin-off show called Second Helpings, which is replacing the previous companion show An Extra Slice. The series will air shortly after GBBO and Rob Becket’s game show Tempting Fortune at 10.35pm.

The spin-off will look at all the best bits from the week’s episode as well as special behind the scenes exclusives. They will also see celebrity guests and catch up with the cast and judges.

Who are the Great British Bake Off 2026 judges and hosts?

Over the years, we have seen GBBO judges and hosts come and go. Some fans miss Mary Berry discussing soggy bottoms, and other miss the comedy stylings of Mel and Sue who hosted the series.

This season there will be some familiar faces returning to the tent, and some exciting new ones.

Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding will once again return as hosts, and Bake Off legend Paul Hollywood will be returning for his 17th season. Although, following Dame Prue Leith’s decision to step away from the show after nine years as a judge, the team had to find a worthy replacement.

It was revealed earlier this year that taking her place will be the iconic and legendary Nigella Lawson.

Speaking on joining the team, Nigella said: “I’m uncharacteristically rather lost for words right now! Of course it’s daunting to be following in the footsteps of Prue Leith and Mary Berry before her, great dames both, but I’m also bubbling with excitement.

“The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme, it’s a National Treasure – and it’s a huge honour to be entrusted with it. I’m just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come. I wish the marvellous Prue all the best, and am giddily grateful for the opportunity!””

In addition to Nigella, there will be two new additions to Bake Off family as comedians Jon Richardson and Judi Love joining the companion show Second Helpings. Neither are strangers to the iconic tent as they both previously have taken part in The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer.

Judi Love said: “I’ve been lucky enough to be in the tent a few times and work alongside Jon, both were pure joy! Joining the show to talk all things baking and celebrate showstopping bakes, including some unique spins sounds like absolute blast. I can’t wait to get started and of course eat a few cakes or whatever treats they may have.”

Who is taking part in The Great British Bake Off 2026?

We now know how to watch and who will be fronting the series, but here’s the most important part- the 12 new bakers ready to enter the Bake Off tent.

This year’s cast includes:

Clara, 24-year-old Marketing graduate from Hertfordshire

Connie, 63-year-old NHS hospital discharge lead from London

Danni, 25-year-old HGV service centre administrator from Dorset

Gabe, 32-year-old Artist and drag kind from West Midlands

Gary, 67-year-old Retired garment technologist from Nottinghamshire

Mo, a 21-year-old Law student from West Midlands

Molly, a 31-year-old Accessibility coordinator from London

Moyin, a 22-year-old Political economy student from Essex

Nikki, a 50-year-old Advertising post-producer from London

Shannon, a 29-year-old Project planner and scheduler from Gloucestershire

Tom, a 25-year-old Hairdresser from West Yorkshire

Yannis, a 28-year-old Paediatric doctor from London

You can watch The Great British Bake Off from Tuesday, September 22 at 8pm on Channel 4 and Channel 4 Streaming.