The Great British Bake Off 2023 (or The Great British Baking Show if you are in the US) has put another batch of bakers through their paces and now we have a winner!
Along with Strictly Come Dancing 2023, the fourteenth season of The Great British Bake Off has been one of the gems of Autumn TV once again. While some have complained this series has been dull, we think it's great!
But which of our Great British Bake Off 2023 contestants have we added to our Great British Bake Off winners list?
Here is everything you need to know about The Great British Bake Off 2023...
The Great British Bake Off 2023 air date
The Great British Bake Off 2023 returned to Channel 4 on Tuesday, September 26 and the final aired in the UK on Tuesday, November 28.
You can catch up on the whole season of The Great British Bake Off 2022 on All4 in the UK and if that's not enough you can catch up on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice 2023 in the same place.
In the US all episodes of The Great British Baking Show 2023 are now on Netflix along with all episodes of last year's show.
The Great British Bake Off 2023 contestants
Here are a few facts about each of the 2023 contestants, including who left when, who won Star Baker and who was crowned this year's winner...
Abbi — eliminated week 3
Abbi, 27, is a veg grower and delivery driver from Cumbria.
Yorkshire-born Abbi first learned to bake alongside her mum. She honed these early skills during her teens, when she became enthralled by the Victorian era, especially the traditional bakes of the time. Now, she takes her inspiration from her environment and the beautiful English countryside around her home and even forages for ingredients in nature to make her bakes extra special.
Abbi went home in week three after Bread Week saw her struggling in the technical, while her cottage loaf was deemed too garlicky by Prue.
Amos — eliminated week 1
Amos, 43, is a deli and grocery manager from North London.
A film, theatre and theme parker lover, Amos was amazed by his mother's ability to whip up delicious baked goods, inspiring to him to take up baking. He describes his own treats as "a labour of love".
Sadly Amos was the first baker to be sent home in the series. Cake Week saw Amos struggle with his killer whale-themed showstopper, and unfortunately, the judges decided he should be the first to leave.
Cristy — eliminated week 8
Cristy, 33, is a mum and PA from East London.
Mother-of-four Cristy is always finding a reason to bake with events for kids around every corner, drawing inspiration from her Israeli roots and her husband's Jamaican heritage. She describes her baking style as enchanted and pretty – bakes that conjure up a sense of childhood.
Cristy was crowned Star Baker in Pastry Week after wowing Paul and Prue with her autumnal showstopper.
Cristy left the show in the quarter-finals after struggling with her Willy Wonka-themed showstopper for party week. She was a firm favorite with the judges and viewers though, with even Prue admitting she was sad to see Cristy leave.
Dan — finalist
Dan, 42, is a civil engineer from Cheshire.
A trip to South America in 2007 completely opened up Dan's eyes to different baking styles around the world, and when he's not playing football with his two young sons, he's busy in the kitchen. His particular loves are pies and puddings. Before he and his wife bought their first home, they lived with his in-laws. During this time, his mother-in-law taught him how to make perfect shortcrust pastry. Subsequently, his passion for pies has evolved into a penchant for patisserie!
Dan won Star Baker in week one after impressing the judges with all three of his bakes, including an amazing tribute cake to his late dog, Bruno. He also got Star Baker in week 7 after creating a meringue bombe shaped like the world.
Speaking of getting to the final, Dan told us: "I’ve worked hard to make it this far. It’s special. I have loved meeting the other bakers. What a bunch! I’m proud of the enjoyment we provided as a group.
Dan also revealed which bakes stand out for him... "The Dessert Week Showstopper [a meringue bombe], I failed so many times to get it right, but it came good! But in Bread Week, I over-thought the Showstopper [a plaited centerpiece] and changed my plan – a big no-no!"
And what are his plans for after Bake Off? "I’d love to pursue a food career and help kids learn life skills. Baking classes are on the radar too!"
Dan was runner-up in the Bake Off final after his Showstopper was pipped to the post by Matty.
Dana — eliminated week 6
Dana, 25, is a database administrator from Essex.
Originally inspired to bake to help fill a gap in her family's Indian culinary repertoire, Dana has become her family's trusted cake maker for any celebration. A self-professed "untidy baker", Dana would sneak off to her dad's house to experiment. Now, she has her own kitchen, and a cockapoo, Gracie, to clean up after her!
Sadly Dana was sent home in Botanicals Week after the flavours in her impressive showstopper failed to impress the judges.
Josh — finalist
Josh, 27, is a post-doctoral research associate from Leicestershire.
A chemist by trade, Josh always tries to approach a bake with scientific acumen and loves using seasonal fruit and vegetables from his own garden. He likes to take his inspiration from old baking books: reinventing classics to give them a modern twist.
Josh was awarded with a Hollywood Handshake in week 2 after creating an incredible burger and fries illusion out of biscuits.
He was crowned Star Baker in Botanicals Week after impressing the judges with his flavours. In the same week, he also came second in the technical, which saw him bake an impressive lemon and thyme drizzle cake. Josh also got Star Baker in the semi-finals after impressing the judges with his patisserie skills.
Speaking of getting to the final Josh told us: "It feels incredible, I was shocked! From baking alongside talented bakers to Paul and Prue’s lovely comments, it’s been unbelievable.
Speaking of his baking highs and lows, Josh added: "My favourite bakes were the Party Week Christmas buffet Showstopper – my nickname’s Dr Christmas, no one can out-Christmas me! – and my sunflower pies Showstopper [in Pastry Week] dedicated to my late Nan. But my chemistry chocolate box Showstopper [in Chocolate Week] didn’t have a clean finish."
Josh has big plans for after Bake Off: "I want to showcase my baking via social media, write baking books and share gardening and baking tips."
Runner-up Josh was pipped to the post in the final, with Matty nudging ahead with his impressing showstopper cake.
Keith - eliminated week 2
Keith, 60, is a chartered accountant from Hampshire.
After originally testing his baking skills on apple pies and fairy cakes with his mum as a child, Keith takes inspiration from 1970s cookbooks and hopes this competition will help him increase the complexity of his bakes.
Sadly Keith was the second baker to be sent home after he suffered a slightly messy biscuit week. Despite delivering bakes packed with flavor, his 'meal deal' biscuit showstopper wasn't enough to save him.
Matty — winner!
Matty, 28, is a PE and science teacher from Cambridgeshire.
A keen watcher of viral cooking videos, Matty hopes to master the techniques showcased on social networks like TikTok and make the cake for his wedding to fiancée Lara. Matty is the type of baker who swats up on online patisserie videos before bed and no matter how good he gets, he strives to equal the impressiveness of the bake that first caught his imagination: a teddy bear cake that his late nan made him for his fourth birthday.
Matty was crowned Star Baker in week four after impressing the judges during Chocolate Week.
Speaking of getting to the final, Matty told us: "I can’t believe it, especially after that grey ‘roadkill’ (thanks Paul!) dog [his animal Showstopper cake] in week one!"
Talking of his time on the show, he added: "The baking comes second to the fun I had in the tent. And I’ve learned to have more confidence. I loved the chocolate cheesecake Technical [in Chocolate Week]. I ‘inhaled’ so many after judging! But the only time the meringue bombe [in Dessert Week] worked was the day of the Showstopper!"
And what are Matty's plans after Bake Off? "To test myself with bakes outside my comfort zone but without insane time pressures! I’d bake anything for Mark Noble. He’s a legend of West Ham!"
Matty was thrilled to be crowned winner of the 2023 series after nudging ahead of Josh and Dan after the trio were tasked with a choux pastry signature, a lard cake technical challenge and a celebration cake showstopper.
Matty thrilled the judges with his impressive showstopper, which was a three-tiered cake, with Paul admitting it was one of the best sponges he'd eaten in years.
Nicky — eliminated week 5
Nicky, 52, is a retired cabin crew member from the West Midlands.
Describing the process of baking as being "like a pair of comfy old slippers", Nicky loves spending her free time baking for her niece and grandchildren, and volunteers for a pet charity.
Rowan — eliminated week 5
Rowan, 21, is a student from West Yorkshire.
The youngest contestant in the tent this year wants to follow his motto "go big or go home" by using his creative eye in coming up with his baking submissions and maybe even match them with cocktail pairings.
Saku — eliminated week 7
Saku, 50, is an intelligence analyst from Herefordshire.
Although she didn't have an oven at home until the age of 18, Saku shortly thereafter developed a passion for baking. She uses the traditional flavours from her native Sri Lankan culture – particularly the curry spices, which she claims make for the best pie fillings, while liberal sprinklings of cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg find their way into her sweeter bakes.
Saku sadly left the show in Dessert Week after the judges said her creme caramels were too sweet, none of the bakers managed to serve up some proper treacle tarts in the Technical Round and her bee-themed Showstopper meringue bombe looked pretty, but the judges found several faults.
Tasha — eliminated week 9
Tasha, 27, is a participation officer from Bristol.
She makes history as the show's first-ever deaf contestant.
The best thing Tasha remembers about baking as a child was licking the sugar icing from the tops of the fairy cakes she, her mum and her grandma used to make. At secondary school, she made cakes for her friends and was soon encouraged by her Food Technology teacher to develop her skills as a hobby. When Tasha's not in the kitchen, loves attending West End musicals.
Tasha was awarded Star Baker in week two after her biscuits wowed the judges. Not only did she do well on the custard cream technical, but she also impressed Paul and Prue with her katsu curry biscuit illusion.
She was also awarded Star Baker in week three after her medusa-themed bread showstopper wowed the judges.
Tasha had a dramatic week four after she suddenly collapsed after falling unwell thanks to the heat in the tent. Tasha was forced to bow out of the rest of the episode.
Sadly Tasha left the show in the semi-finals, where she was put to the test in patisserie week. Despite impressing the judges with her pastry skills, she was just pipped to the post by Matty, Dan and Josh who all got to the final.
What are the themes for The Great British Bake Off 2023?
Below is a watching schedule for each episode of The Great British Bake Off 2023, wherever in the world you might be viewing from.
Once we know what other themes there are each week we will update this list...
- Episode 1: Cake Week - aired Tuesday, Sept 26 in the UK and Friday, Sept 29 in the US.
- Episode 2: Biscuit Week - Aired Tuesday, Oct 3 in the UK and Friday, Oct 6 in the US.
- Episode 3: Bread Week - Aired Tuesday, Oct 10 in the UK and Friday, Oct 13 in the US.
- Episode 4: Chocolate Week - Aired Wednesday, Oct 18 in the UK and Friday, Oct 20 in the US.
- Episode 5: Pastry Week - Airs Tuesday, Oct 24 in the UK and Friday, Oct 27 in the US.
- Episode 6: Botanicals Week - Airs Tuesday, Oct 31 in the UK and Friday, Nov 3 in the US.
- Episode 7: Dessert Week - Aired Tuesday, Nov 7 in the UK and Friday, Nov 10 in the US.
- Episode 8: Quarter Final: Party Week - Airs Tuesday, Nov 14 in the UK and Friday, Nov 17 in the US.
- Episode 9: Semi-Final: Patisserie Week - Airs Tuesday, Nov 21 in the UK and Friday, Nov 24 in the US.
- Episode 10: Final: Aired Tuesday, Nov 28 in the UK and will air Friday, Dec 1 in the US.
The Great British Bake Off 2023 judges
The Great British Bake Off wouldn't be the same without original judge Paul Hollywood and his infamous handshake, and he is back once again for the fourteenth season of the show.
Joining Paul once again is Prue Leith who has also become a much-loved part of the show since it arrived on Channel 4.
The Great British Bake Off 2023 hosts
Noel Fielding is back for another year in the tent, but there is a big change coming to the new series as new presenter Alison Hammond has joined Noel after Matt Lucas stepped down from the role to concentrate on other TV projects.
Alison announced the exciting news on her official Instagram page back in March...
Is there a trailer for The Great British Bake Off 2023?
Yes, and it is totally brilliant!
The trailer sees lots of different baking ingredients risking everything to make their way to the Bake Off tent, where they are thrilled to become part of a cake. We also get a glimpse of judge Paul and Prue, along with Noel and new presenter Alison.
You can watch below...
Where is The Great British Bake Off 2023 filmed?
The Great British Bake Off is filmed in a beautiful part of the Berkshire countryside called Welford Park, where the white marquee is positioned amongst trees, a beautiful manicured lawn and local wildlife.
Who won The Great British Bake Off 2022?
The Great British Bake Off 2022 crowned Syabira the winner after she went head-to-head with Abdul and Sandro in the final.
The trio were asked to assemble the perfect picnic for the signature challenge and create a Summer Pudding Bombe for the technical, and for the final challenge, the bakers had to make a sculpture in line with the theme of Our Beautiful Planet, with Syabira impressing the judges with an orangutang which she named This Is My Home.
Speaking about why Syabira won the series judge Prue Leith said: "She is creative and she is careful, she practices like anything and she is imaginative, she just has the lot. She is a very skillful baker."
