I went to the Extra Slice taping yesterday. Since I had a hard time finding information about what to expect, I thought I’d write this up! No spoilers!

The ticket said that security would begin at 3:15 and doors would open at 3:30. I arrived at 2:30 and there were already about 150 people ahead of me in the queue. It wouldn’t have been clear where to go if it weren’t for the queue. If you want to pop it into a map, the actual start of the queue is at (51.5102441, -0.2248030).

You receive an NDA to sign when you arrive. I didn’t see anyone holding their home bakes, so I’m guessing that someone from the production company whisks them away at this point to keep them safe from the long wait outside.

SRO walks down the queue starting around 3 to scan tickets and hand out wristbands. The studio audience appeared to be completely full. I’m not sure if they had to turn away later arrivals or if the universe just aligned to get everyone in.

Security took a while. It did start around 3:15 but didn’t complete until shortly after 4. The doors didn’t open until security was complete. We were inside and seated by 4:15. The production company was really kind about getting people with mobility impairments out of the line and inside pretty quickly — I didn’t see anyone with a physical disability stuck outside.

There’s a comedian to warm up the crowd and do crowd work to keep everyone alive and engaged during filming.

Taping was long. I’m guessing we started watching the episode around 4:45, and filming probably started an hour after that. Taping wrapped at 9. There were a few breaks where we were allowed to stand up, stretch, use the restroom, etc.

There is a very strict no-phones policy, so plan on being offline for 5 hours. It’s very easy to see an illuminated square in a dark theatre — they will catch you! I saw someone get a cross-but-polite warning about using their phone.

Audience chairs are padded and are probably more comfortable than the wooden ones on the floor, where the people who brought in bakes sit. If your goal is to be on TV, bring in a bake!

Overall, I’m glad I went, but I probably wouldn’t do it again unless I had an amazing bake that I wanted to bring in to get gently roasted by Tom. It’s a long afternoon and evening, but it was also really lovely to get plugged into the broader Bake Off universe. The kindness we see on the show extends beyond the tent.

I know that bakers have to be super careful not to give anything away on social media about how far they went, and for the most part the bakers are always really savvy. But occasionally there's an odd clue that I can see when looking at their Instagram pages pre first episode , and throughout the series (I always check their Instagram before the show starts to get to know them...) there's something that's so subtle, it's not an obvious marker of how far they went...but just gives me a hint. I remember last year Josh made that tribute to his Nan on the anniversary of her death in week 5. I found out from his Instagram at a later time his Nan sadly passed in early June a few years back; so I figured out that in general bake off must reach the halfway point around early June. I remember Mike from this year's series was one of the only bakers who posted publicly throughout the time bake off would have been filmed. The others seemed to have wisely not posted much between April - July. Back to Mike he posted a series of photos about him and his partner at an event, saying they went away to a festival together,and if my memory serves me correct it was posted early June. With my calculations about when bake off was filmed, I instantly guessed that he didn't make it to the end if he was away early June, and sadly that was right. Am I the only person who wastes time getting to know the bakers on their Instagram and looking for small clues? Is there anything about the Instagram pages of any of our 4 bakers which have made you wonder if one of them has one? Have you ever seen a post in which the timing gave away to you how far a baker went?

Seriously Netflix, wtf?

Today I learned Keira Knightley doesn’t actually say “Falafee” Pie in Love Actually. For 21 years I thought in Britain, it was a kind of Falafel treat 😂 apparently it’s Banoffee Pie. Gonna go die in shame now

Anna Delvey.

Or Jessica Garner’s portrayal of Anna Delvey’s accent.

Not a dig on Christiaan btw! I find him rather endearing!

So on the latest episode - 70s week, quarterfinals - 2 bakers get knocked for making their cakes too boozey.

This keeps happening. Ever since one of Pru’s earlier seasons where she said she liked boozey cakes, contestants 4 out of 5 times, maybe more, will ruin their performance by putting too much alcohol. Over and over again, year after year.

Pru basically even says “I never thought I would ever say ‘too boozey’”- but that’s actually what she and Paul have said almost every time for the last 3-4+ years.

I’ve always hated when hosts are replaced (except Matt) because they’ve all been lovely people. I was side eyeing Allison when she started but I have to say that I LOVE watching her and Noel together. They really seem like have fun and like each other, and they make me smile. And they’re both so funny!

…and between Gill saying she was the only contestant alive in the 70s and Dylan saying his dad got him into Star Wars I just aged like Matt Damon at the end of Saving Private Ryan

Bake off judges always insist that they never take previous weeks into account in eliminations. I don't believe that this year: When it was between Sumayah and Mike, Sumayah definitely had the worst showstopper in my opinion but was saved. She'd already had star baker by then, and Mike had never been considered. Between Nelly and Dylan, Dylan the more consistent baker was saved. The bakers seemed the most excited by the taste of Illyin's showstopper despite it collapsing, but she got eliminated. The last few semi finals have been quite controversial in eliminating the strongest baker in the tent (or one of the strongest), who happened to have one bad week. If we are going by previous semi finals, Dylan and Georgie will go for sure. They will join the club of Jürgen, Januz and Tash of the early favourites for the title that left in the semis. For me, and I may be completely wrong it feels like they are being more careful in who they eliminate this season. In general, stronger bakers are being saved if it's completely neck and neck between them and someone else. By the way previous eliminations have gone, if Christiaan and Gill were neck and neck with Dylan or Georgie, I feel like it's Christiaan or Gill who may go. So what's your prediction: A semi final shock, or will it be the end of the road for Gill or Christiaan? Part of me feels it will be Dylan, the other part of me feels like if Christiaan isn't the very top of the group next week, him not having star baker might be more of an issue than we think. Interesting times!

That Dylan will be the controversial semi-final elimination this year. I hope I’m wrong.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO4-a2KCfFg

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the return of one of the most anticipated TV treats of the year: The Great Christmas Bake Off! This year, the tent sparkles with Christmas cheer as beloved stars from some of Britain's biggest soaps trade drama-filled scripts for mixing bowls and whisks. It's time for them to face the ultimate festive baking challenges under the watchful eyes of Bake Off's iconic judges and hosts.

Paul Hollywood, the silver-haired Santa of the kitchen, and the ever-glamorous Prue Leith are ready to put the contestants' skills to the test. Joining them for this joyous extravaganza are the show's whimsical hosts, Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, who will ensure the laughs and holiday spirit flow as freely as the icing sugar.

https://www.jonn.co.uk/2024/11/the-great-christmas-bake-off-soap-icons.html

Netflix annoyingly hasn't uploaded "new" seasons of either. Is it possible to watch both shows somewhere without a VPN? I love the judges on both and the hosts on Pro. :(

The dangers of trying to sound clever!

Never heard of Kouign Amanns.  Just love the birds n dogs on the grounds.  The strawberry looks like a torte, not a tart.  Never seen them make my fave - Napoleons - have u?  Laurina is my fave.  She matches her dessert.  Love her retro fashion sense. I'm a GrMa & don't normally like those loud hair colours but on her it looks attractive.

All the contestants have been fun to watch. Enjoy hearing about their lives - - nurse, music teacher, fashion, etc.

Thot Petit Fors were little cakes; didn’t realize they could be choux buns.  Wouldn’t like black sesame seeds in all my Petit Fors & teeth.  Sorry to see Laurina voted out.  This is more fun to watch than Dessert Master.  Like the homey element of amateurs.  RIP Cal.  

I want to have a headshot taken and all the ones from bakeoff look so good. Any idea of who takes them or what style they use?

View Poll

The past few weeks it’s seemed that he would bother contestants when they were clearly stressed, but credit to him he knew this week when people weren’t able to cope and he did stay quieter, nice that he does know to do that in the end :)

Let’s get retro! And go back in time to watch 5 awesome bakers tackle three 70s challenges!

Hey bakers and Bake Off fans! It’s the quarter-finals tonight, and for the first time ever, we’re getting a taste of the groovy 1970s right in the Bake Off tent! 🕺 Get ready to see the bakers channel their inner disco fever, as all three challenges tonight are inspired by this iconic decade. The Signature challenge kicks things off with choux (yes, choux!), and we'll see two more 70's-inspired challenges unfold throughout the night. What twists will the judges have in store for these talented bakers? Will anyone pull off a 70's-inspired triumph, or are we in for some retro disasters?

Tune in at 8pm on Channel 4—and remember, audio description is available if you need it.

British Sign Language (BSL) Interpretation on 4seven at 8pm!

As usual, you can watch with British Sign Language (BSL) Interpretation on 4seven at 8pm on these channels:

• Freeview: Channel 49
• Sky: Channel 137
• Virgin: Channel 143
• Freesat: Channel 127

For anyone in our community who watches with BSL Interpretation, this is your chance to enjoy every choux puff and retro reference with the full experience! And for those of us who are hearing, watching with BSL can be a fun and insightful way to learn some new signs, especially words and expressions related to this week's 1970's theme. This season, Bake Off has had so many unique themes, and it’s wonderful that BSL access makes these challenges inclusive to everyone. Plus, picking up a few BSL signs can bring us all closer as a community and open up new ways to enjoy the show together.

So grab your snacks, get cozy, and get ready for a disco-themed Bake Off extravaganza! What 70’s-inspired bakes are you most looking forward to seeing? Let’s chat below about predictions, favorite bakers, and any special 70’s memories you have. 🍩 🍰 🌈

Since GBBO isn’t available on Netflix in Canada anymore, where are we watching? All previous seasons are on CBC gem, but not season 15- I don’t remember, are seasons added after they finish?