The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer returns to our screens on Sunday and we can’t wait to see hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding welcome an eclectic mix of famous faces to the iconic Bake Off tent.
Taking place over five episodes, the series will see 20 celebrities take on the iconic, technical and challenging challenge in a bid to impress judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leet and be crowned star baker.
Alison said of this year’s line-up: “II am absolutely in awe of this year’s celebrity bakers, all of whom are putting their baking skills, or in some cases, lack thereof, under national scrutiny to raise money for Face Cancer. And as someone who has proven himself to be a baking genius [sic] when I baked in the tent a few years ago I was happy to be able to show them the ropes and where the oven doors were. In turn, get ready, Bake for Face Cancer.”
So who exactly is participating this year? Meet the five celebrity groups heading to the marquee.
Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker will trade her sonic screwdriver for a silicone spatula in a bid to win this year’s competition. The 41-year-old Broadchurch star will be up against Made in Chelsea star and podcaster Spencer Matthews, singer Paloma Faith and comedian Munya Chavawa in her episode.
Admitting she’s not good at baking, Jodie said: “But I’m starting to wonder if I’m a bit better than I give myself credit for. To be a complete stereotype, I am absolutely brilliant at Yorkshire puddings!“
Also taking to the marquee this year is Radio 1’s DJ Greg James, who will be up against This Morning’s Dermot O’Leary, comedian Ferne Brady and Spice Girl Mel B.
Prior to her participation in the show, Fern admitted that she was in it to win it. “I’m insanely competitive” she said. “I really want to win. Last night I was saying to my boyfriend “You know the reward for this is crap, you just get an apron that says ‘Star Baker’!” And he said, “Are you kidding me, Fern? You would wear this all the time around the house.”
Greg said he’s not the best at baking. “Who knows, I might be when the show is over. Or I may never want to do it again,” he said.
“I don’t think it really matters if I’m a baker or not, I’m just going to have a good time and hang out in the tent with Alison Hammond.” What’s better than that?’
Strictly Come Dancing’s Oti Mabuse is also taking part in this year’s show and will be up against TV presenter Gabby Logan and comedians David O’Doherty and Suzi Ruffell.
Viewers can also expect to see Reverend Richard Coles appearing in the marquee, along with BBC Radio 2’s Sarah Cox, Heartstopper star joe lock and The last leg hosted by Adam Hills.
When signing up for the show, Adam said: “Entering the tent feels like being accompanied by a choir of angels, all singing. But to go into it with the big S and the arrow and the 2 and the C on the front, which has now become an iconic image in itself, those two combined make you walk a few inches taller, I think.”
Last but not least, EastEnders star Danny Dyer will go head-to-head with comedian Rod Gilbert, documentarian Yinka Bockini and Celebrity juice star Lee Francis.
The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer starts on Sunday 17 March on Channel 4 at 7.40pm.
