Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Great British Bake Off 2014 contestants revealed: Meet the baker's dozen

Twelve of the 'most professional bakers so far' will enter the tent next week

Daisy Wyatt
Tuesday 29 July 2014 11:20 EDT
Comments
The Great British Bake Off 2014 contestants
The Great British Bake Off 2014 contestants (BBC)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The contestants for the fifth series of the Great British Bake Off have been unveiled ahead of the show’s return next week.

From an aspiring 17-year-old sixth former to the oldest baker to compete in the series so far, the contestants are as varied as to be expected from a primetime BBC show.

As wholesome as ever, the bakers range from allotment-loving retirees to amateur beekeepers.

Martha, 17, is the youngest contestant to join the 'baker’s dozen', and has had to find time to practise her baking skills while studying for her AS-Level exams.

Over 50 years her senior, Diana, 69, is the oldest contestant and has been baking since her teenager years.

Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry have already called this year’s crop of bakers the most professional to enter the Bake Off tent so far, and judging by their character bios this year's contestants mean serious business.

Norman, 66, from Scotland, cultivates his own yeast starts to make his own bread and to brew beer and wine.

IT manager Jordan, 32, describes himself as a “nerdy baker” with a keen passion for perfecting crossbreed bakes like the “cronut” and his very own “pretzel-croissant", while Luis from Stockport likes to make creative inventions from Tequila Slammer Cheesecake to cherry brandy pipette gateaux.

The contestants line-up behind Sue and Mel in the Bake Off tent
The contestants line-up behind Sue and Mel in the Bake Off tent (BBC)

The Great British Bake Off returns to a new home on BBC One this year after the last series achieved record ratings on BBC Two.

Over 9 million viewers tuned in to watch designer Frances Quinn crowned queen baker in October.

The Great British Bake Off starts Wednesday 6 August on BBC One.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in