Great British Bake Off announces new viewer-led challenges for 2026

Great British Bake Off Audience Choice Week baking competition Channel 4 television series

The Great British Bake Off is introducing several changes for its 17th series on Channel 4 in 2026. A new feature called ‘Audience Choice Week’ will allow viewers to suggest signature, technical, or showstopper challenges. One such viewer-suggested challenge involves a friends and family theme, where bakers can invite guests into the tent to assist them.

The show’s judging panel is also undergoing changes, with Nigella Lawson replacing Prue Leith, while Paul Hollywood returns. Hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding will remain with the program. Additionally, the spin-off show Extra Slice has been rebranded as ‘Second Helpings’ with new presenters Judi Love and Jon Richardson.

The contestant line-up for the upcoming series features 12 bakers, including Clara from Hertfordshire, Connie from London, Gabe from the West Midlands, Danni from Dorset, and Gary from Nottinghamshire.

Entities

Channel 4 · Great British Bake Off · Nigella Lawson · Noel Fielding · Paul Hollywood

Sources

Bake Off introduces new themed week for 2026 and it involves the viewers [www.bracknellnews.co.uk]

3 days ago

Full line-up of all 12 bakers taking part on the Great British Bake Off 2026 [www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk]

3 days ago

Meet the 12 bakers: The Great British Bake Off 2026 [rts.org.uk]

2 days ago