I imagine this has been discussed before, but I really think getting Star Baker should give the bakers immunity for the next round, meaning the next week they can't be eliminated. It always seems odd when a baker goes home after being at the top the week before. Plus, it would give the title of Star Baker more weight, rather than just being entirely symbolic. I do suppose this could make bakers not try in the week following winning Star Baker, but I doubt that would be the case since they would probably still want to be Star Baker for the next challenge.

Does anyone think fondly back to Louise's window pane heart cookies or Miranda talking about family and fish pie, or Maryanne from season 2 and all of her cookbooks? I'm not here to complain about the show as it is, just to say I often think fondly back on the early days and every year or so go back and start all over.

I can't find it anywhere 😭

Super simple bread recipe, with pretzels as stems of the pumpkin! This was trickier than I thought- the cornucopia definitely sagged at first and if I were limited on time like the bakers were, it would have folded! Super fun regardless 😊

I'm a huge fan of cooking competition shows, and during my recent rewatch of all the Great British Bake Off series, I found myself wondering: how much do the Signature and Technical challenges really matter when it comes to determining the outcome of an episode? I'm sure many of you have asked the same question!

To dig into this, I’m thinking of tracking key elements from series 8 onwards (to keep it consistent with the current judging panel) and analyzing the data. Specifically, I want to look at patterns in who gets eliminated, who is crowned Star Baker, and how certain factors (like performance in the Signature or Technical) correlate with these outcomes.

Here’s what I’m thinking of recording for those who left or became star baker (to simplify the data):

• Placement in the Technical Challenge: Did the contestant place first or last?
• Hollywood Handshake: Did the contestant receive one during the Signature or Showstopper?
• Bakes that were inedible: Were any bakes raw or burnt, as opposed to just slightly over/undercooked?

I’m deliberately focusing on factors that seem less subjective (e.g., a raw or burnt bake) since elements like slight overbaking are harder to quantify. I know the Hollywood Handshake is highly subjective, but it’s become such a signature part of the show that it seems worth tracking.

I’m also curious if anyone has already done something similar. If so, I’d love to avoid duplicating efforts!

Any thoughts on what other elements I should track, or if there's anything I should remove from my list? If I end up doing this, I will share my results (GitHub?).

Thanks in advance for your insights!

walking out of the tent like mario and luigi

Since the beginning, it’s annoyed me that the announcement of Star Baker and who is going home is prefaced by the presenters explaining “this week have the pleasure of announcing Star Baker” followed by the gloomy, uncomfortable, “I am the one who has to announce who is going home.” Writers, this device is weak. It makes it more about the presenter’s feelings than the contestants’. How about something like, “You’ve all done marvelous work this week and the person who is our Star Baker is….” Likewise with the person going home. Just my pet peeve

Each year the Great British Bake Off release a cookbook with a collection of recipes from each year's contestants and the judges. I am stuck between the 2024 'Comfort Bakes' and the 2021 'A Bake For All Seasons' mainly because those had some of my favourite personalities. Have you bought any of the GBBO cookbooks and which one would you recommend?

Here you go: https://www.farfetch.com/uk/shopping/men/charles-jeffrey-loverboy-intarsia-knit-cotton-jumper-item-22633168.aspx?storeid=12263

It's even on sale!

I’m not particularly good with my words but I just wanted to write down the reason(s) why I love GBBO.

1. It’s so very different to most other shows on these days. You HAVE to have actual baking talent to get on and the only way to get this is through hard work and dedication. These stops those who are just looking for their 15mins of fame and means we have a more authentic show. The only show I can relate to it in regards to managing to stop influence types is Race Across the World - which I also unsurprisingly love too.

2. It’s just a lovely journey. They help each other, they support each other, no one’s overly competitive. It’s just lovely.

3. The presenters - Noel and Alison are both funny and caring. They clearly grow bonds with the contestants and it makes for a more family feel.

4. The judges - they, on the most part, seem to be fair and consistent. Just helps the show flow.

Anyway, just thought I’d write down some of thoughts as to why I love this show and can’t wait for next year’s series already.

What sweet and savory scones would you make?

I've been trying to make a wishlist for my family for Christmas and was thinking of British Bake Off and can't believe they only sell books on the official site!? They're missing out on so many opportunities here. Anyway, with this lack of official merch - What are your favorite products inspired by Great British Bake Off?

i’m wondering if any of you have ever baked with any of the GBBO cookbooks and if so what your experience has been?!

i’m considering getting one and want to hear others’ opinions 😊

UPDATE: I intended this article as a lively discussion. We got that, but we also got some American hating, which feels kind of uncharacteristically nasty for this forum. There was no mean intention to this post.

Although I love Paul and Prue, they are a little out of touch at this point. What do you think? https://www.vulture.com/article/great-british-baking-show-needs-new-judge.html

As soon as I saw the marble glaze going on Christianns show stopper I knew he did himself in. Marble has taken out many o good bakers—the off flavors obviously sealed the deal for him but that untidy glaze was not a good first impression.

Do you guys think if his design on that marble layer was on point that it would have given him the win even with the odd flavors since he had such a sizable lead?

The way the banner on this sub cuts off the heads of all the hosts is priceless.

Couldn't believe how emotional I got over Georgie's win! Can't say she was my favorite in the series, I was pulling for Gill and Nelly throughout. But Georgie's win, and the self confidence the experience of being on GBBO seems to have given her, almost reminded me a bit of Nadiya's speech in the finale. A beautiful story and very well deserved on her part. That cake was absolutely beautiful, as were many of her bakes throughout the season. Bravo Georgie!

Do you own any GBBO inspired cookbooks, coffee mug, apron or other items(s)? I was just thinking of or ornaments and how they should make teeny lavender/lilac bowl (Gill) or an apron with Nelly's endearing quote "it's not to teach them to win, it's to teach them to enjoy." I'm still hoping Lego Ideas comes out with a GBBO set - I know it finally got the 10k votes.

My wife says I say this every year, I don't think I do.

But this season the talent of the group really blew me away.

If not this season, which season had a more talented on average group?

Just rewatched the batter episode of series 7. I'd completely forgotten how enraging it is to hear people use the word "churros" as though it was singular. Not even touching the pronunciation, though I do think it's at least partially to blame. Having the vowel at the end sounds like "ah" rather than the long "oh", makes the singular really awkward. A churrah? Somehow it's a churr-oh but multiple churr-ahs? Thankful for Benjamina pronouncing it currectly while Paul and Mary are using the plural incorrectly.

A churr-oh. Multiple churr-ohs.

Hello! I just want to know what the bakers made in the finale. Nothing more nothing less. Thank you!🙏🏼

Is Georgie rich rich? Such amazing scenery and vibes during her finale bit!

My wife and I quote it all the time, but I can’t remember the episode. Someone puts green apple candy floss on their bake, she likes the bake and has nice things to say but says the green apple flavor is truly atrocious or something to that effect. If anyone know the episode, I would be forever grateful!

What in the world is on Noel's sweater......

Did Dylan throw the finale episode? He smashed it all the way until the end and then uncharacteristically did poorly in ever element of the last episode. That paired with him landing a Michelin Star gig after the episode makes me think it may have been intentional either by the producers or by him or something...