The Great British Bake Off Series 10: Bakers’ Biogs
Category: Press Pack ArticleAlice, 28
London
Geography Teacher
Alice grew up in a riverside town in Essex. At 15 years old, while recovering from a back operation for scoliosis and no longer able to do sport, she turned her hand to baking – and perfected the fruit pavlova while she was living in New Zealand in her early 20s, where she also attended art school. After returning to the UK, she trained to be a Geography teacher. Now living in East London, she uses cakes in her lessons – demonstrating everything from coastal erosion to volcanic activity. She loves making highly decorative layered cakes for her friends and family. Her baking style is intricate and delicate, full of flavour and enthusiasm – and has to make people go ‘wow!’
*What’s it like having made it into the Tent?
I have wanted to be in Bake Off ever since the show has started, but I wasn’t really good enough when I was 18. To be on such a big show doing something that you are passionate about is a huge thing. I also felt that to be accepted into the tent gave me the confidence to feel that I could bake. It was a dream come true!
*In the very first week what special memories do you have of that time?
Walking into the tent for the first time was incredible. Your eyes are seeing it, but your brain is not quite understanding what is happening to you. It was so exciting.
*You are asked to make a cake that signifies one of the happiest days of your life. What would it be and why…and what would it be made of?
I think I would make a cake that resembled a mobile phone, as that was a happy moment when I got the call that I was going to be in Bake Off. With all the different apps on in coloured icing.
*Who will be the most surprised out of your friends/workmates/family that you have made it to Bake Off [that you haven’t revealed the secret to]?
Well I missed a family event, so hopefully they will understand when they find out, and be pretty surprised.
*If you were stuck in a lift with a previous Baker who would it be and why?
I think Ruby from last year’s series. She is really cool and I would like to swap stories with her about Bake Off.
Amelia, 24
Halifax
Fashion designer
Amelia has been baking for 19 years – watching her mum and grandma creating beautiful cake decorations inspired her to start baking as a child. Born to a Caribbean father and British/half-Polish mother, Amelia grew up in Halifax and studied in Leeds and Leicester. She honed her baking skills while at university, baking for friends and college fundraising events. Now living in London and working as a sportswear designer, Amelia draws on her northern roots to inspire her baking and believes that freshly farmed produce is essential for a satisfying bake. One of her proudest bakes is a snow leopard cake that she baked for her nephew’s fifth birthday – a Madeira and a chocolate sponge with intricately designed tiger and snow-leopard faces.
*What’s it like having made it into the Tent?
I have wanted to get into the tent since series 1, it’s still not sunk in, but it’s a dream come true.
*In the very first week what special memories do you have of that time?
It was all so much fun, meeting all the bakers, meeting the judges and presenters, there wasn’t one moment from that first week that I didn’t enjoy. It was magical.
*You are asked to make a cake that signifies one of the happiest days of your life. What would it be and why…and what would it be made of?
I am pretty happy most days to be honest, I am a positive person. It would have to be a Red Velvet cake, I would like tropical fruit on it, tequila based liquer in the sponge. I think I would want it fresh and fruity with some edible glitter to represent a sunny summery day.
*Who will be the most surprised out of your friends/workmates/family that you have made it to Bake Off [that you haven’t revealed the secret to]?
I am really excited to tell my godson who is 6 that I am on Bake Off and that will be the best thing ever. I cannot wait to tell him as he means the world to me, I am bursting to tell him.
*If you could be stuck in a lift with a previous Baker who would it be and why?
I loved Antony from last year’s series, he is very funny, and quite cute, really talkative so I think he would make the time go by quickly.
Dan, 32
Rotherham
Support Worker
Dan is predominantly a self-taught baker, but has fond memories of his mum showing him how to bake a Victoria sponge as a child and his army chef dad coming to school to teach how to plait and bake bread. He got serious about baking at age 21 in a bid to impress his then girlfriend (now wife) with a themed birthday cake. Born in Worksop and raised in Rotherham, Dan lives just 20 minutes away from where he grew up, with wife Laura and their three dogs. Dan’s favourite part of the baking process is decoration and he loves producing awe-inspiring bakes. He made his own wedding cake and says the thing he is most proud of making is a towering croquembouche.
*What’s it like having made it into the Tent?
I have been trying for a few years now, so finally I am here. It’s absolutely crazy, really amazing, I was so adamant to get on, it’s very hard to describe the feelings, all strange and surreal. And then when you are in the tent it all feels normal pretty quickly.
*In the very first week what special memories do you have of that time?
The first time I saw the white peaks of the tent it gave me butterflies, but also you feel so excited at the same time.
*You are asked to make a cake that signifies one of the happiest days of your life. What would it be and why…and what would it be made of?
We got married in a lovely old church not too far from where we live. So I would have the main cake as a sponge but it would have champagne in it, and strawberries and cream in layers. I would do fondant icing and then detail the timbers and the door, with colour and spray.
*Who will be the most surprised out of your friends/workmates/family that you have made it to Bake Off [that you haven’t revealed the secret to]?
Probably work colleagues as they have no idea at all.
*If you could be stuck in a lift with a previous Baker who would it be and why?
I think Iain Watters, he was quite a character. He is tall like me so perhaps we could help each other get out, and he would have construction knowledge!
David, 36
London
International Health Adviser
David grew up in rural Yorkshire, where his mum (who baked all the time – the family never ate a shop-bought loaf at home) inspired him to start baking. His passion was further developed by his travels to Malawi (among other places) with his work as a Health Advisor, where he learnt to build an oven out of an oil drum and invented a cake that could steam cook over a village fire. David studied art and design before switching to nursing. When he’s not travelling the world for work, he lives in London and has lots of hobbies like cycling and ceramics. David’s baking repertoire is broad, but his strengths lie in bread. He’s not into fancy, colourful icings, but prefers robust flavours and good, solid bakes.
*What’s it like having made it into the Tent?
I have watched Bake Off from the start, and I have daydreamed so many times walking to work about being in it for such a long time. And when I got accepted it was such a mixture of emotions. Then I thought this is really crazy, am I good enough, will I have enough time to practice?
*In the very first week what special memories do you have of that time?
You feel like royalty walking into the tent, you have a runner looking after you, bringing you drinks. It’s very different to ordinary life, and a fantastic experience.
*You are asked to make a cake that signifies one of the happiest days of your life. What would it be and why…and what would it be made of?
It would have to be the first date I went on with my partner, we met for a cup of coffee. So I would make a coffee cake as I love that, shaped like a large cappuccino, and make sugar cubes on the side out of marzipan. We were in a lovely garden on the date, so I would put flowers on the side.
*Who will be the most surprised out of your friends/workmates/family that you have made it to Bake Off [that you haven’t revealed the secret to]?
My pottery class because I bring bakes to the class each week and they kept encouraging me to apply.
*If you could be stuck in a lift with a previous Baker who would it be and why?
I think it would have to be Dr Tamal, I absolutely loved him, he is my actual favourite ever baker. We both share a medical background, and he would be very chilled.
Helena, 40
Leeds
Online Project Manager
Helena spent much of her childhood watching her Spanish grandmother cook and bake, but it was only after moving to Las Vegas as part of an exchange scheme at school and living with a Mormon family that Helena really started baking. She was born in Ceuta (an independent Spanish city in north Africa), raised in Lanzarote and studied in mainland Spain. During her degree she moved to Leeds on an exchange, where she now lives with her husband and baby daughter. Helena likes to use American flavours, such as pumpkin, pecans, maple and cinnamon in her bakes. She also likes to use traditional Spanish flavours, including almond and paprika, as well as incorporating her passion for all things Halloween into her baking creations.
*What’s it like having made it into the Tent?
I won a baking competition at work and that gave me the confidence to apply. Although when I learned that I had got in I had a bit of a confidence crisis thinking, can I possibly be good enough?
*In the very first week what special memories do you have of that time?
I was literally numb on the first day, I couldn’t take it all in, really. It was such a blur, and it hit me afterwards that I had made it into the Tent.
*You are asked to make a cake that signifies one of the happiest days of your life. What would it be and why…and what would it be made of?
I would do a 3 tier cake representing all the Bakers. We are all so different yet we share such a passion. It would be made decorated in an artistic motif way to bring out something from their individual characters. Made of oil based sponge, and definitely chocolate, it would be multi coloured icing to represent everyone.
*Who will be the most surprised out of your friends/workmates/family that you have made it to Bake Off [that you haven’t revealed the secret to]?
When people find out when it is revealed they will be incredibly pleased and think oh my goodness I can’t believe it. But for some of them, I don’t think they will be that surprised as they know how much I have wanted to be a baker in the tent.
*If you could be stuck in a lift with a previous Baker who would it be and why?
Kim-Joy, from the last series, as I liked her particular style and I think like me she has a niche look. In her bakes she is Japanese and cutesy whereas I am witchy and gothic with a Halloween twist.
Henry, 20
Durham
Student
Henry’s love of baking and all things culinary began at the age of 12, when he became fascinated by the baking activity taking place in the beautiful Bake Off tent which fortuitously pitched up in his local park. He began to experiment on his family, friends and teachers with a huge variety of bakes, developing a style of bake that is elegant and composed of delicate, carefully combined flavours. He now tests out his culinary skills on the discerning student palates of his university house mates at Durham University where he is studying English Literature.
*What’s it like having made it into the Tent?
I have wanted to get into the tent since series 2. They filmed it at the end of my road, so I used to see Paul Hollywood when I walked past the tent to go to school in the mornings, so I really got into it. To be inside the actual tent was totally wonderful.
*In the very first week what special memories do you have of that time?
On the first day of filming, I told Paul that I remembered him filming at Valentine’s for series 2 and we had a chat about that and shared our memories of that time. So he knew I had come full circle and was now in the Tent, and that was pretty special.
*You are asked to make a cake that signifies one of the happiest days of your life. What would it be and why…and what would it be made of?
One of the most lovely days I had at Uni was this year, we had an end of year party, where everyone was themselves and totally relaxed. So it would be quite a busy chaotic cake flavoured with alcohol to represent the party, so perhaps a kahlua coffee drizzle and vodka buttercream icing.
*Who will be the most surprised out of your friends/workmates/family that you have made it to Bake Off [that you haven’t revealed the secret to]?
There are lots of people in the choir at University who knew that I applied but don’t know that I got on.
*If you could be stuck in a lift with a previous Baker who would it be and why?
I would want Andrew, he is an engineer, he could fix the lift.
Jamie, 20
Surrey
Part-time waiter
Jamie’s grandma and parents taught him the baking basics, but it was after an episode of Bake Off inspired him to make a plaited loaf that his baking aspirations really took hold. Born and raised with his identical twin brother in Surrey, Jamie is working as a part-time waiter in the lead-up to studying Sports Science at university. He happily takes on more technically difficult bakes, such as a croquembouche and croissants and has a fairly traditional approach to his flavours – although he likes to experiment with what he can find in the house.
*What’s it like having made it into the Tent?
When they called to tell me it was a real shock, I really wasn’t expecting it at all. But a nice shock!
*In the very first week what special memories do you have of that time?
I was quite nervous at the beginning but by the second day the bakers had all gelled and we were all pretty much best mates, and it was great.
*You are asked to make a cake that signifies one of the happiest days of your life. What would it be and why…and what would it be made of?
I like a lot of sport, but I really love tennis. So I think I would make a sphere cake of the tennis ball, sitting on a racquet [made of fondant, I think I would put strawberry laces as the strings]. I love orange for flavouring, and it would be a sponge cake.
*Who will be the most surprised out of your friends/workmates/family that you have made it to Bake Off [that you haven’t revealed the secret to]?
All my mates don’t even know that I bake so they will get a shock to see me in an apron!
*If you could be stuck in a lift with a previous Baker who would it be and why?
I think Liam, we are both quite young and laid back. Hopefully he might start singing some tunes, we could rap a bit, that would pass the time.
Michael, 26
Stratford-upon-Avon
Theatre manager/fitness instructor
Michael’s mother taught him to bake, encouraging him to learn from old, handwritten recipes passed down from his mother’s grandparents. He was born in Newcastle, but considers himself Scottish as he moved to Scone in Scotland at age seven and studied in Edinburgh. In his baking, though, he is especially inspired by the flavours of his Indian heritage. He now works as a manager at a prestigious theatre company in Stratford-upon-Avon. Michael has attempted pretty much every discipline in baking, but his strengths lie in cakes and pastry.
*What’s it like having made it into the Tent?
This was the very first time that I applied, one night I applied as I was a bit bored, I never thought I would get to the audition process. So when I found out it was a mixture of shock and blind panic!
*In the very first week what special memories do you have of that time?
We all bonded immediately as Bakers, and getting to know everyone was so lovely. Everyone was so open, warm and understanding, and we made a family the first time we met.
*You are asked to make a cake that signifies one of the happiest days of your life. What would it be and why…and what would it be made of?
I would make a big white cake made of orange and pistachio. It would have all little fondant bakers all the way round, it would have bunting, a picket fence and some grass.
*Who will be the most surprised out of your friends/workmates/family that you have made it to Bake Off [that you haven’t revealed the secret to]?
My grandma, as she will be totally speechless, she would have to sit down in a quiet room and have a cup of tea. She is very chatty usually but I know this will shock her.
*If you could be stuck in a lift with a previous Baker who would it be and why?
It would have to be Selasi, I would like to get stuck in a lift with him. I would be freaking out and think the world was over but he would be relaxed and just chilled and then I would be too!
Michelle, 35
Wales
Print Shop Administrator
Michelle first fell in love with baking as a child watching her mother doing traditional baking at home. She grew up on a farm and now lives in the seaside town of Tenby with her husband and teenage son. Michelle bakes almost every other day – whether that’s making a simple loaf to have for breakfast or something sweet to eat for dessert. She loves experimenting with flavour combinations and using seasonal vegetables from her own vegetable patch. Her bakes are precise and finessed, and created with an emphasis on good-quality, local produce.
*What’s it like having made it into the Tent?
I was so emotional when I found out, I cry when I am happy and cry when I am sad. I have wanted it for so long, so I couldn’t believe it.
*In the very first week what special memories do you have of that time?
To meet all the bakers was so memorable and I have found life long friends that have the same passion as you.
*You are asked to make a cake that signifies one of the happiest days of your life. What would it be and why…and what would it be made of?
The day we got married we christened our son on the same day. So we didn’t have a wedding cake, we had a cheese stack made of six tiers of Welsh cheese. So I would probably remake that as a cake. Our favourite cakes are chocolate cake and carrot cake. I would make one look like stilton, one would look like camembert, and various cheeses.
*Who will be the most surprised out of your friends/workmates/family that you have made it to Bake Off [that you haven’t revealed the secret to]?
I have been quite limited to the amount of people that I have told, but I think they will be so pleased as they know I have wanted it for so so long, so they will be really pleased.
*If you could be stuck in a lift with a previous Baker who would it be and why?
Martha from Series 5. I love her style and how they photograph her bakes. She seems very down to earth and I have bought her book so we could talk about that while we wait to get rescued!
Phil, 56
Essex
HGV Driver
Phil was introduced to the joys of baking bread in his home economics class at school, but it wasn’t until six years ago that he started to take baking seriously. He now bakes four or five times a week, frequently making focaccia, granary bread and brioche, but also pastry (he likes the challenge of hot-water crust, puff and choux). Phil grew up in Barking, training to be a driver at age 17. He now lives in Rainham, with his wife and two daughters. Working the early shifts means that Phil can spend the rest of his day preparing some of the family meals and baking treats for his family and friends. He is passionate about motorbikes and always turns up for biking meetings with bakes. He has been working really hard on his decoration and piping techniques over the last year and now also loves to create really delicately decorated cakes.
*What’s it like having made it into the Tent?
To get in there now, is an amazing experience that I won’t forget for the rest of my life.
*In the very first week what special memories do you have of that time?
My memory of the first week is being minibussed into the site and seeing the tent, those wonderful white peaks and thinking that this is happening, it’s not just a dream. I have yearned for this for years, it’s amazing.
*You are asked to make a cake that signifies one of the happiest days of your life. What would it be and why…and what would it be made of?
I can’t remember what my wedding cake tasted of now, and my wife’s grandfather made it. Which was quite unusual in those days, he wasn’t a baker but he made a beautiful tiered cake. It would be very traditional with fondant icing and I would copy what we had on the top of our original cake. It was a bride and groom in a little china sports car.
*Who will be the most surprised out of your friends/workmates/family that you have made it to Bake Off [that you haven’t revealed the secret to]?
The most surprised will be a couple who are long term friends and they had been staying with us recently and said you make such wonderful cakes, but have never mentioned to me that I should go on Bake Off, so I think they haven’t a clue that I would be in it.
*If you could be stuck in a lift with a previous Baker who would it be and why?
Jon from the last series – we could chat motorbikes till we get freed by the firemen.
Priya, 34
Leicester
Marketing Consultant
Priya’s first foray into baking started with an after-school baking club at primary school. Then, ten years ago she began baking more seriously as means to help her relax. When she was given a stand mixer as a wedding gift seven years ago, she went ‘baking bonkers’. She now bakes with such enthusiasm that she’s been known to bake bread well into the night and delivers bags of bakes to appreciative friends and family. A freelance marketing consultant and self-confessed perfectionist, Priya lives in her home town of Leicester with her husband and two children, and is writing her first novel. She’s recently started experimenting with vegan baking and loves tropical, fruity flavours. When her kids are older, she’d love to travel the world tasting sweet and savoury treats – a sort of ‘around the world in 80 bakes’.
*What’s it like having made it into the Tent?
I downloaded the application for Bake Off in 2012 the year I got married but I thought I would never get in. I applied again last year, and then this year I got in and it was so dreamy and unreal. I was in no doubt it would change my life. And it taught me to pursue the things you love, and you just have to go for it.
*In the very first week what special memories do you have of that time?
I think just walking around the grounds and walking into the tent for the first time. And when I saw the field that previous bakers have gazed out on. I heard the music in my ears as I walked down the steps.
*You are asked to make a cake that signifies one of the happiest days of your life. What would it be and why…and what would it be made of?
I would make a fun looking book. Every night we read a story together with my two boys, it would be a picture book decorated with dragons, dinosaurs, fairies and magic. Lots of fondant icing, as that is what my kids love, and a chocolate sponge, as they love that too.
*Who will be the most surprised out of your friends/workmates/family that you have made it to Bake Off [that you haven’t revealed the secret to]?
I have kept in touch with people from work. I have recently left and I think they are going to be the most shocked.
*If you could be stuck in a lift with a previous Baker who would it be and why?
Nadiya – I am so inspired and in awe of her, she is so accomplished – she is the girl next door, someone you could easily have a good conversation with.
Rosie, 28
Somerset
Veterinary Surgeon
Rosie’s baking passions began when she was given a children’s baking book at age five. She grew up in a small town in Oxfordshire and studied at Cambridge. She now lives in Somerset with her childhood-sweetheart husband and many animals. When Rosie’s not treating drunken hedgehogs, performing spleen surgery on dogs, or on call, she’ll be baking through the night to unwind and keep the practice nurses well-fed. With a love of patisserie, a little box of mixed pastries is Rosie’s ‘go-to’ bake. Her baking is inspired by her rural surroundings, from the orchards next door, to the fresh eggs laid by her ducks and chickens.
*What’s it like having made it into the Tent?
When I heard I was accepted, the only word I can describe it as is ecstatic!
*In the very first week what special memories do you have of that time?
When we first got here I went to the bathroom and I could see little top bits of the tent from the window and that made me very happy.
*You are asked to make a cake that signifies one of the happiest days of your life. What would it be and why…and what would it be made of?
The happiest day of my life would have been my wedding day and my two best friends made my wedding cake. So I would make it the same, a 3 tier cake comprising; Red Velvet; Lemon and Blueberry and a Victoria Sponge layer. It would be decorated the same with stained glass windows of various animals and reptiles, with penguins on top instead of people.
*Who will be the most surprised out of your friends/workmates/family that you have made it to Bake Off [that you haven’t revealed the secret to]?
The nurses at work are going to be so surprised, they will have no idea. They asked me the other day would I apply again and I could honestly and categorically answer, no I don’t think I will!
*If you could be stuck in a lift with a previous Baker who would it be and why?
Steven from Series 8 because his bakes were always so creative so he must have loads of interesting ideas to talk about and make the time fly.
Steph, 28
Chester
Shop Assistant
Steph’s grandad got her baking with his love of homemade bread. She’s always loved making a mess in the kitchen, but she has been baking with a vengeance for the past three or so years. She is primarily self-taught and considers herself an ‘intermediate, still-learning’ baker. Steph lives in Chester with her mum, and her passion for sports and wellness inspires her baking: she enjoys the challenge of making her bakes healthier, adding vegetables or fruits, lowering the refined sugar content and prioritising more nutritional fats. Bread is Steph’s favourite and her signature bake is a sourdough loaf using her starter which she calls ‘Sammy’.
*What’s it like having made it into the Tent?
It’s a bit like a lottery, it wasn’t really joined up thinking, I didn’t think that I would get in, I wanted to give it a go. It’s just beyond anything that I can imagine, because I didn’t really dream that I would get in, it has been the most incredible surreal experience.
*In the very first week what special memories do you have of that time?
I really remember laughing a lot at Jamie melting his butter in his proving drawer. I was very nervous and it just helped break the ice with us all.
*You are asked to make a cake that signifies one of the happiest days of your life. What would it be and why…and what would it be made of?
It would definitely be a carrot cake, I don’t like anything to be too fancy. I really enjoyed my 18th birthday party, so I think it would have to be that. It was the first time I felt really grown up, I shared the party with two of my best friends from school. So it would be in the figures 18 and a cream cheese frosting.
*Who will be the most surprised out of your friends/workmates/family that you have made it to Bake Off [that you haven’t revealed the secret to]?
I think it’s more remote friends from work. They certainly wouldn’t think that I would have the courage to put myself forward so they have no idea.
*If you were stuck in a lift with a previous Baker who would it be and why?
Ruby Tandoh, because she was great when she was on the show, I think she is a really interesting character and I would love to meet her.