Hollywood handshakes, soggy bottoms and absurd inuendos, it could only be the return of The Great British Bake Off! That's right, the nation's favourite baking show will be back on our screens this autumn for its 16th (phew!) series - and Channel 4 has teased that's it bringing with it some "fresh" ingredients. The new trailer has just been revealed, confirming the return of Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding as hosts, and it's officially time to get our mixing bowls at the ready.
The trailer - narrated by comedian Joe Wilkinson (who won the celebrity edition of the show back in 2019) - is an animated vision of Bake Off, inspired by the Big Bang. In it, we see a sugar-coated vision of the world being formed with a meringue, cinnamon bun and icing-filled twist (could that be a clue about future challenges?) - which turns out to be a glint in Paul Hollywood’s eye. How creative!
While we patiently wait for the new series to arrive on our screens - and practice our bakes in anticipation - here’s everything you need to know about The Great British Bake Off series 16, including its hosts, judges and how to watch it.
What do we know about The Great British Bake Off series 16?
It’s looking like a return to form! While we don’t have the names of the bakers who will be donning their aprons just yet (watch this space for more news), Bake Off fans will be pleased to hear that Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood are reprising their all-important roles as judges. Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding will also be on hosting duties one again and they'll no doubt be bringing their trademark comedy value to the tent.
How does The Great British Bake Off work?
Yet to get your teeth into the legendary baking show? Fear not, as we're here to tell you how it works: amateur bakers across Britain are put to the ultimate test in the Bake Off tent, as they battle it out in a series of rounds, (hopefully) wowing the judges in the process. At the end of each episode, one contestant is eliminated - sob!
The batch of bakers - typically 12 - are chosen from the many, many amateur cooks who apply each year. In each episode, three tasks are set: a signature bake, a technical challenge, and a show-stopper. The first contest of the series is usually Cake Week, where bakers must bring their best sponges, fillings and layers. Every episode, one contestant is crowned as Star Baker and another is eliminated. There are 10 weeks in total, culminating in a final where the favourite three bakers face off.
Who is hosting The Great British Bake Off series 16?
The trailer confirms that the hilarious duo that is Noel Fielding and GH's January cover star Alison Hammond are back! The pair have hosted the past two series of the show, while previous Bake Off presenters have included Matt Lucas, Mel Giedroyc, Sue Perkins and Sandi Toksvig.
Who are the judges for The Great British Bake Off series 16?
Sadly, we said farewell to Mary Berry back in series 7, but much-loved judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith will be returning to the tent! Fans were concerned that the animated trailer for this year’s series didn’t feature Prue, but Channel 4 has confirmed that the South African presenter - who joined in series 8 - will be rejoining for the 16th instalment. Hooray!
Is there a trailer for The Great British Bake Off series 16?
Yes - you can watch the trailer for The Great British Bake Off series 16 here:
Who won The Great British Bake Off series 15?
34-year-old paediatric nurse Georgie Grasso was crowned the winner of the last series of the show. The Carmarthenshire-hailing baker became the first Welsh contestant to scoop the title, and told the BBC: “I always wanted to apply but thought my baking was too amateur... I'm so incredibly proud of myself and I don't say that often.” Her final bakes were ‘Afternoon tea’ scones and a ‘Summer Garden Celebration’ hanging cake. Meanwhile, Dylan Bachelet, 33, and Christiaan de Vries, 20, finished as runners-up.
How can I watch The Great British Bake Off series 16?
While Channel 4 hasn't shared a release date for The Great British Bake Off series 16 yet, it’s expected to air mid-to-late September. As soon as we have a confirmed date, we'll share it here. The show usually airs on a Tuesday evening, so tentatively mark your calendars! Until then, you can catch up on series 8 to 15 on Channel 4 now. Want to make some showstoppers of your own? Check out our huge archive of baking recipes to get you started.
![london, england march 27: pierce brosnan and dame helen mirren attend the mobland global premiere at the odeon luxe leicester square on march 27, 2025 in london, england. (photo by mike marsland/wireimage)](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gettyimages-2206556071-689c7ef2e0275.jpg?crop=0.715xw:0.530xh;0.163xw,0.0584xh&resize=360:* ""MobLand" Global Premiere Arrivals")
