Ready, set, bake! Preparations are well under way for the latest instalment of charming reality baking series The Great British Bake Off, which will see a fresh batch of bakers strut their stuff.

This year’s contestants won’t be the only new addition to the tent though. Following the departure of former co-host Matt Lucas, Alison Hammond is set to replace him. Working alongside Noel Fielding, the showbiz juggernaut will bring her presenting prowess and hilarious high-jinks to the super show. Hurray!

This series will be set across 10 hour-long episodes, which see contestants battle it out with a weekly signature bake, technical challenge and a showstopper, to impress judges and bona fide bakers Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. Plus, there’s the opportunity for bakers to snag the “Star Baker” title or even a coveted Hollywood handshake. 

The road to success is never easy though and over the years we’ve seen (sometimes through our fingers) plenty of soggy bottoms, nail-biting countdowns and even cooking catastrophes (remember the baked Alaska incident?).

But with The Great British Bake Off graduates including Nadiya Hussain, Candice Brown, John Whaite, Liam Charles and last year’s winner Syabira Yusoff, we can only imagine the talent that’ll be entering telly’s most famous tent. So without further ado, let’s meet the 12 new faces joining this year’s festivities.

The show is welcoming its first deaf contestant, participation officer Tasha, along with her BSL interpreteur, Daryl, with the judges and presenters having learned basic sign language in preparation for their arrival. Joining them are deli and grocery manager Amos, student Rowan, vegetable grower and delivery driver Abbi, mother-of-four Cristy and civil engineering resource planner Dan.

In addition, there’s database administrator Dana, chartered accountant Keith, PE and science teacher Matty, retired cabin crew and volunteer Nicky, intelligence analyst Saku and post-doctoral research associate Josh. Phew!

Kicking off the new series is Cake Week where the amateurs will try to impress the pros with a perfect vertical layer cake, an iconic chocolate cake and a sponge showstopper. Join Alison, Noel, Paul and Prue from Tuesday 26 September at 8pm on Channel 4 HD (CH 104/108).

While we count down the days until this year’s competition begins, let’s take a look at why Alison Hammond is Bake Off‘s super ingredient. With a pinch of warmth, a dash of wit and plenty of zest, Alison has lit up our telly screens for over two decades and we think she’ll be a perfect addition to Britain’s most beloved series.

Alison’s telly career began on the third series of Big Brother, and she knew how to keep audiences captivated from the start

The star then joined This Morning as an on-screen reporter and the rest is history. She can chat to anyone – no matter how famous

Or how sentient...

Alison can also deal with any situation in a cool and calm manner

From stints in the I’m A Celebrity… jungle

To busting moves in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom

Alison is good old fashioned TV gold. And she’s no stranger to the Bake Off tent either

In fact, she’s full of bonkers baking hacks!

And we know she has a sweet tooth after she was turned into a charity Easter Egg

Finally, who can forget that infectious laugh. We love you, Alison!

When can I watch The Great British Bake Off?

You can catch the first episode of The Great British Bake Off at 8pm on Tuesday 26 September on Channel 4 HD (CH 104/108). Episodes will air weekly every Tuesday evening thereafter. Catch up on latest episodes via Apps & Games > Channel 4.

Plus, The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice with Jo Brand will begin at 8pm on Thursday 28 on Channel 4 HD (CH 104/108). Catch up on latest episodes via Apps & Games > Channel 4.