The world’s most beloved baking competition returns for its thirteenth season, welcoming twelve new amateur bakers to the hallowed grounds of the iconic white tent. Under the warm gaze of the infamous Paul Hollywood and the discerning palate of Dame Prue Leith, these hopefuls will embark on a culinary journey like no other. Each week, they will face the ultimate test of skill, creativity, and composure through three grueling challenges: the Signature Bake, designed to showcase their personal style; the Technical Bake, a ruthless test of precision following a cryptic recipe; and the Showstopper, a grand finale demanding ambition, flavor, and flawless presentation.

Guiding them through the flour-dusted highs and soggy-bottomed lows are the inimitable hosting duo, Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas. With Noel’s surreal wit and Matt’s boundless warmth and humor, the tent is filled with laughter and support, providing a crucial comfort amidst the intense pressure. From heartwarming successes to hilarious baking disasters, Bake Off Season 13 promises to deliver all the signature ingredients that have made it a global phenomenon: incredible bakes, nail-biting drama, and the most wholesome television on air.

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Meet the Hosts and Judges of Bake Off Season 13

– Noel Fielding as Self – Presenter

Noel Fielding returns with his uniquely surreal and whimsical charm, continuing his role as the tent’s beloved eccentric uncle. Fielding’s off-the-wall humor and artistic flair provide a delightful counterbalance to the high-stakes tension of the competition, often diffusing panic with a perfectly timed absurdist joke or a bizarre anecdote. His genuine care for the bakers is evident in his quiet moments of encouragement, offering a comforting presence during their most stressful hours.

Beyond the jokes, Fielding has become an integral part of the Bake Off fabric, known for his flamboyant wardrobe and his ability to connect with each contestant on their level. Whether he’s admiring a baker’s intricate piping or consoling them after a collapsed soufflé, his quirky support system is a cornerstone of the show’s heartwarming atmosphere. He is the magical glue that helps hold the tent together.

– Matt Lucas as Self – Presenter

Matt Lucas brings his infectious joy, booming laugh, and unparalleled talent for finding fun in any situation back to the tent. Lucas’s presence is a ray of sunshine, instantly lifting spirits with his genuine enthusiasm for every bake, no matter the outcome. His warm, playful banter and loud exclamations of delight have quickly become iconic, making him the emotional anchor for the bakers.

Lucas’s relatable humor and effortless ability to get everyone laughing, including a often-stoic Paul Hollywood, make him the perfect co-host alongside Noel. He represents the audience’s awe and excitement, and his interviews are filled with such unbridled joy that they make even the simplest Victoria sponge seem like a work of art. He is, quite simply, the show’s biggest fan.

– Paul Hollywood as Self – Judge

The formidable Paul Hollywood resumes his role as the master baker and stern arbiter of bread and pastry, his steely blue eyes and firm handshake as intimidating as ever. Hollywood’s reputation for brutal honesty and his pursuit of baking perfection set the standard in the tent, and his coveted “Hollywood Handshake” remains the highest accolade a baker can receive. His technical expertise and no-nonsense feedback are crucial in separating the good from the great.

Yet, after thirteen seasons, glimpses of a softer Paul continue to emerge. A truly exceptional bake can break his stern facade into a rare, beaming smile, and his respect for the bakers’ dedication is always evident. He is the guardian of baking tradition and technique, a living legend whose approval every contestant desperately seeks.

– Prue Leith as Self – Judge

Dame Prue Leith brings her vast culinary knowledge, elegant sophistication, and wonderfully sharp wit to the judging table once again. Prue’s focus on flavor, innovation, and bold combinations encourages the bakers to be creative and take risks. Her feedback is always insightful and constructively delivered, often with a twinkle in her eye, especially when a baker has incorporated a cheeky dash of alcohol into their recipe.

Prue’s playful rivalry with Paul and her hilarious, often deadpan, one-liners provide some of the tent’s best moments. She is the epitome of grace and wisdom, offering a different but equally vital perspective to the judging process. Her extravagant, colorful brooches and genuine delight in a successful bake make her a cherished and respected figure.

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Meet the Bakers of Bake Off Season 13

1. Maisam Algirgeet (Age: 32, London) – Architectural Assistant

Maisam brings the precision and structural thinking of her profession as an Architectural Assistant into the tent. She approaches her bakes like miniature buildings, focusing on clean lines, bold shapes, and impeccable stability. Her style is modern and elegant, often drawing inspiration from geometric patterns and her Persian heritage, resulting in stunning, edible art.

Despite her calm and collected exterior, Maisam is fiercely competitive and detail-oriented. She thrives in the technical challenges where precision is paramount but isn’t afraid to take creative risks in her showstoppers. Her journey is one of applying a designer’s eye to the delicious medium of baking, creating structures that are as beautiful as they are tasty.

2. James Dewar (Age: 28, Edinburgh) – Physics Teacher

James is a Physics Teacher who sees baking as the most delicious application of science. He is fascinated by the chemical reactions that create the perfect crumb, the physics of a stable soufflé, and the precise temperatures required for tempering chocolate. James is constantly experimenting, using his scientific knowledge to deconstruct and perfect classic bakes.

His cheerful and explanatory nature makes him the tent’s unofficial baking science commentator. James loves to share the ‘why’ behind a process, often calming nervous bakers with a quick lesson in gluten development. He’s competing to prove that understanding the fundamentals is the key to true baking mastery.

3. Janusz Domagala (Age: 35, Brighton) – Hairstylist

Janusz is a Hairstylist whose flair for the dramatic and keen eye for detail translates beautifully into his baking. He treats his showstoppers like his clients, giving them meticulous attention and styling them to perfection. Janusz is bubbly, outgoing, and the tent’s chief source of gossip and encouragement, always ready with a funny story.

His baking style is bold, colorful, and unapologetically retro, often drawing inspiration from the 80s. Janusz is a king of decoration, using techniques like intricate sugar work and delicate piping to create truly stunning visual effects. He’s here to show that creativity and style aren’t limited by profession.

4. Carole Edwards (Age: 67, Cornwall) – Retired Librarian

Carole is a Retired Librarian whose baking is a testament to a lifetime of collected recipes and traditional techniques. She is the tent’s gentle, grandmotherly figure, offering warm hugs and wise advice to her fellow competitors. Carole’s strength lies in her flawless execution of classic British bakes, from the perfect scone to a sublime Victoria sponge.

Beneath her sweet demeanor lies a surprisingly competitive spirit. Carole is a stickler for the rules and takes immense pride in her tried-and-tested methods. Her journey is about showing that experience and time-honored recipes can compete with modern innovation, and that you’re never too old to achieve your dreams.

5. Sandro Farmhouse (Age: 42, Bristol) – Personal Trainer

Sandro, a Personal Trainer, brings energy, discipline, and a focus on health-conscious ingredients to the tent. He specializes in creating incredibly flavorful bakes that are refined-sugar-free or gluten-free, proving that “healthy” doesn’t have to mean compromise. Sandro is motivational and supportive, often leading impromptu stretching sessions to ease pre-challenge jitters.

His baking is vibrant, nutrient-packed, and inspired by his Angolan and Portuguese heritage. Sandro’s journey is about challenging perceptions and demonstrating that indulgence and well-being can go hand-in-hand. His positive energy is infectious, making him a beloved member of the baking class.

6. Kevin Flynn (Age: 55, Manchester) – Plumber

Kevin is a Plumber who finds a peaceful escape from his physically demanding job in the precise art of baking. He is a no-nonsense, practical baker whose strength is his reliability and fantastic time management. Kevin is known for his robust, hearty bakes and his ability to keep a cool head when things get sticky.

His humor is dry and his spirit is unwavering. Kevin represents the everyman baker, creating delicious food meant to be shared with family and friends. His journey is a heartwarming example of a blue-collar worker stepping completely out of his comfort zone and discovering a hidden talent on a national stage.

7. Will Hawkins (Age: 31, Oxford) – PhD Student

Will, a PhD Student in English Literature, approaches baking like he analyzes a classic text: with deep thought, symbolism, and a narrative flair. His bakes often tell a story, drawing inspiration from his favorite novels and poems. Will is quiet, thoughtful, and possesses a dry, academic wit that often flies under the radar.

His style is intricate and intellectual, often surprising the judges with the depth of concept behind his creations. Will’s journey is about translating the abstract beauty of literature into the tangible art of baking. He is the dark horse whose quiet brilliance could easily see him become a finalist.

8. Dawn Hollyoak (Age: 59, Kent) – Headmistress

Dawn is a Headmistress who brings a firm but fair leadership style into the tent. She is organized, disciplined, and runs her baking station with the efficiency of a classroom. Dawn specializes in beautifully neat, traditional bakes executed with textbook perfection. Her years of managing school events have made her an expert at baking in large, reliable quantities.

Beneath her authoritative exterior lies a warm and encouraging nature. Dawn often takes younger bakers under her wing, offering guidance and support. Her journey is about applying a lifetime of leadership and precision to a brand new challenge, proving that discipline is a key ingredient for success.

9. Rebs Lightbody (Age: 26, Belfast) – Music Therapist

Rebs, a Music Therapist, sees deep connections between her profession and baking. She believes both are forms of therapy that soothe the soul and bring joy to others. Her baking is rhythmic, intuitive, and full of emotion, often created while listening to her favorite bands. Rebs is empathetic, free-spirited, and a calming presence in the tent.

Her style is whimsical and often inspired by album art and musical motifs. Rebs’s journey is about baking from the heart and creating edible expressions of feeling. She represents the idea that food is more than fuel; it’s a language of love and comfort.

10. Maxy Maligisa (Age: 24, Cardiff) – Social Media Manager

Maxy is a Social Media Manager whose bakes are designed to stop the scroll. She is a master of current trends, creating visually stunning, Instagram-worthy desserts that are bursting with color and innovative flavor combinations. Maxy is energetic, charismatic, and incredibly savvy about her personal brand.

Her baking is modern, bold, and unafraid to be unconventional. Maxy’s journey is about representing her generation and the new era of baking, where aesthetics and virality play a role. She’s there to prove that online trends can translate into truly delicious results in the real world.

11. Abdul Rehman Sharif (Age: 33, Leicester) – Software Developer

Abdul is a Software Developer who approaches baking like a complex code, meticulously planning every step and variable to ensure a logically perfect result. He is calm under pressure and thrives on the technical challenges, though his fellow bakers might gently tease him for treating his sourdough starter like a mission-critical project.

Beyond his analytical exterior lies a warm, dry wit and a deep passion for the science of baking. Abdul specializes in intricate pastry work and bread, believing that if you can understand the architecture of a bake, you can master it. He’s the quiet dark horse of the competition.

12. Syabira Yusoff (Age: 29, London) – Research Scientist

Syabira is a Research Scientist from Malaysia whose baking is a thrilling fusion of Southeast Asian flavors and classic Western techniques. She is constantly experimenting, using her scientific background to perfectly balance bold, aromatic spices like pandan, lemongrass, and cardamom with traditional baking forms. Syabira is brilliant, methodical, and wonderfully inventive.

Her bakes are a constant surprise and delight to the judges, introducing them to new flavor profiles. Syabira’s journey is about sharing her heritage and demonstrating the beautiful results that come from cross-cultural culinary experimentation. She is a frontrunner whose innovation could take her all the way.

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Why This Season Will Be Unforgettable

• Incredibly Diverse Bakers: From scientists to hairstylists, this group brings a unique set of skills to the tent.

• The Perfect Hosting Duo: Noel and Matt’s chemistry is a joy to watch.

• Judging Excellence: Paul and Prue are on top form, offering sharp wit and expert advice.

• The Bakes: Get ready for a series of stunning, innovative, and delicious creations.

Get Ready to Bake!

The Great British Baking Show Season 13 premieres Friday, September 5, 2025, on Netflix. Prepare for a new series of soggy bottoms, firm handshakes, and glorious baking.