Oct 11, 2016

What time and when is The Great British Bake Off on TV? Plus Selasi ran a half marathon, and everything you need to know about Tudor Week

The show where precision, perfection and pastries is the name of the game was the most watched show of 2015, with more than 15 million viewers tuning in for the final – and this year has been no different.

But never before have we seen a show so popular go through such a turbulent period. Now that Love Productions, who make Bake Off, have sold the format to Channel 4 and three out of its four stars are leaving, this is the last time we shall see it in its current form and on BBC One. So cherish it while we still can, as these next few weeks will certainly be our last chances to see Sue Perkins bellow "BAAAAKE".

What time and when does the next episode air?

The next episode of Bake Off is on Wednesday, October 12, at 8pm on BBC One. It's followed by The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice on BBC Two on Friday at 9.30pm.

What happened last week?

Dessert Week saw the bakers struggle to create mini mousse Showstoppers and a roulade Signature bake. Andrew – finally – won his first Star Baker crown but we said goodbye to Tom. Catch up on all the action from last week

10 best Great British Bake Off innuendos Play! 01:07

What will happen this week?

It's the very first Tudor Week in the Great British Tent, embracing all things Henry VIII. It's also the quarter final. This is what the BBC tells us the five remaining bakers can expect.

The signature is a Tudor classic - pies. Although a few hundred years ago their pies would have been filled with feathered birds, our bakers will attempt to make a rather more edible version for modern taste of a savoury stuffed pie.

In the technical challenge, the bakers face a rather unusual Tudor biscuit that has the them all tied up in knots.

Mel pops into Hampton Court to uncover how one sweet delicacy nearly enticed Queen Elizabeth I to marry.

And the final challenge is to construct a showstopper that is a spectacle of marzipan, fit to grace the tables of a wealthy Tudor banquet.

Bake Off's Selasi went out on Friday and Saturday night, ran a half marathon on Sunday, then baked an amazing cake

The UK has been mildly obsessed with the most laid-back contestant on this years Great British Bake Off.

Selasi, a favourite to win with his dreamy sponges,  may seem to move slowly and surely in the kitchen, but he certainly doesn't when he runs half marathons after two nights on the town.

The baker-slash-probable-deity posted a video of himself doing a 'hangover dance' on Saturday, which implies he was on the sauce on Friday... read more

Have you SEEN the weekly viewing parties that Selasi throws?

We all know these folks can cook, but Selasi has been going above and beyond for the weekly viewing parties he throws at his home in London. 

We are going "GAME" for tomorrow. Rabbit, Pheasant, Poussin, Quail, Guinea Fowl and Mega Chorizo Scotch Eggs. Meal prep underway. #GBBO๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿฟ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜‰ pic.twitter.com/Uws3li44Eu

— Selasi Gbormittah (@selasigb) October 4, 2016

Tonight, for example, he'll be serving a game platter consisting of rabbit, pheasant, poussin, quail, guinea fowl and mega chorizo scotch eggs. Last week it was a huge joint of brisket served up in buns. 

Philly Cheesesteak kinda evening and some random other veg for vegetarians and vegans ๐Ÿ™ˆ!#GBBO #bakeOffWednesdays pic.twitter.com/qOH0MN6vX3

— Selasi Gbormittah (@selasigb) September 28, 2016

Contestant Rav has even popped in for one. 

What a dude! @RavSBansal awesome baker and a true master with flavours! Great seeing you again lastnight!๐Ÿ˜‰ #KeepSmilingBuddy #GBBO pic.twitter.com/Xfl8Kx5qIL

— Selasi Gbormittah (@selasigb) September 29, 2016

We just have one question. Can we come?

Seafood tonight! #GBBO bake off Wednesday's is back on. Guests have arrived ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿฟ pic.twitter.com/hEP1lS27Mh

— Selasi Gbormittah (@selasigb) September 21, 2016

Channel 4 deny French and Saunders rumours

Channel 4 has denied reports that Delia Smith, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders are being lined up as the new team for The Great British Bake Off – and have been backed up by both French and Saunders themselves. TV cook Delia has been rumoured as a potential replacement for judge Mary Berry while French and Saunders have been tipped to replace presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins. But a spokesman for Channel 4 claimed that no one has yet been approached about the positions.

From the horses' mouth: they're not in Bake Off negotiations... for now Credit: Twitter

Current standings

We've already said goodbye to six contestants. The batch now looks like this:

Great British Bake Off 2016: the contestants

Who are the contestants?

Meet this year's plucky bakers. 

Ba

The presenters and judges are...

For now, all continues to be present and correct with judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood separating the good from the great, while Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc provide their familiar innuendo-laden commentary. And this is the last series that we'll see this quartet together. Mel, Sue and Mary have all decided to stick with the BBC and only Paul is off to its new home on Channel 4. Nothing will ever be the same again.

Great British Bake Off's Paul Hollywood: in 60 seconds Play! 01:01
Great British Bake Off's Mary Berry in 60 seconds Play! 01:02

Where is the tent?

The famous Bake Off marquee is situated in the grounds of Welford Park, near Newbury in Berkshire, where filming takes place over 10 weeks.

Filming started in April, with one episode filmed every weekend, when contestants stay in a nearby hotel before returning to their normal lives on weekdays.

Five best bakes in Great British Bake Off 2015 Play! 01:18

What else is in store?

Well, it sounds like Santa is coming early this year - the BBC has already announced two special Bake Off episodes to air this Christmas.

  • Buy Great British Bake Off: Celebrations now on Amazon