The Great Celebrity Bake Off for SU2C Season 08 Episode 01 Description
The iconic white tent opens its flaps once again this spring as The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer returns with an exciting new season. The air is thick with anticipation—and perhaps a light dusting of flour—as eighteen beloved celebrities prepare to don their aprons and face the legendary challenges that have delighted viewers for years.
Episode one kicks off with a delicious twist of family competition. Husband-and-wife duo Chris and Rosie Ramsey, whose record-breaking podcast has captured hearts nationwide, will face off against each other in a battle of marital baking prowess. Meanwhile, sibling presenters Scarlette and Stuart Douglas bring their property expertise—though not necessarily baking skills—into the tent, transforming familiar familial support into friendly rivalry.
“Having family members compete against each other adds an entirely new dimension to the competition,” says returning host Noel Fielding. “The natural banter and competitive spirit between spouses and siblings creates moments that are both heartwarming and hilarious.”
Alongside the new batch of celebrity bakers comes an exciting addition to the judging team. Caroline Waldegrave OBE, former co-owner and managing director of the prestigious Leiths School of Food & Wine, steps into the tent to join veteran judge Paul Hollywood. As a longstanding friend of former judge Prue Leith, Caroline brings decades of culinary expertise and a fresh perspective to the judging table.
“Caroline has an extraordinary understanding of flavors and techniques,” Paul Hollywood explains. “Her approach complements mine perfectly—we’re looking for different qualities in the bakes, which gives contestants a comprehensive assessment of their creations.”
Each episode will see four celebrities tackle the classic trio of challenges: the Signature, Technical, and Showstopper rounds. Only one contestant per episode will earn the coveted title of Star Baker, complete with the signature handshake that has become a hallmark of baking achievement.
This year’s roster of celebrity contestants represents an impressive cross-section of British talent spanning television, comedy, music, and more:
Sarah Beeny brings her practical approach from the world of property development and broadcasting to the baking arena. The bestselling author and businesswoman faces an entirely different kind of construction challenge as she attempts to build perfect pastries rather than perfect homes.
Comedian Adam Buxton, known for his podcast and unique brand of humor, will test whether his creative talents extend to the kitchen. Similarly, comedian Jamali Maddix will discover if his incisive wit translates to precise baking measurements.
The younger demographic is well-represented by Amelia Dimoldenberg, creator of the viral sensation “Chicken Shop Date,” while Roman Kemp carries the broadcasting torch for the next generation.
Television royalty Gloria Hunniford OBE brings decades of experience—though perhaps not in baking—to the competition, alongside respected broadcaster Kate Garraway, whose resilience in personal challenges might serve her well in the pressure cooker environment of the Bake Off tent.
The acting world contributes several competitors, including Jim Howick, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Maxine Peake, Meera Syal, Sophie Willan, and Tommy Tiernan—each bringing their own flair for performance to the baking stage.
Model, actor and changemaker Ellie Goldstein breaks barriers as she enters the tent, while musician Self Esteem (Rebecca Lucy Taylor) will discover whether her creative talents extend beyond songwriting to sourdough.
Rounding out the impressive lineup is comedian Phil Wang, whose analytical mind might prove an unexpected advantage in the precise world of baking.