Great British Bake Off 2025 cast: meet the 12 bakers, bios

TL;DR:

• Series 16 features 12 amateur bakers from across the UK.
  
• Official bios confirm jobs, hometowns, and baking styles.
  
• Radio Times lists ages and notes Hassan’s week-1 exit.
  
• Netflix Tudum mirrors the lineup for US viewers.
  
• Week-1 Star Baker was Nataliia, with Hassan eliminated.
  

Twelve bakers enter the tent for Series 16. Channel 4 and the show’s site share official bios with jobs and hometowns. Netflix Tudum carries matching profiles for US viewers. Ages below are from Radio Times.

Who they are, and what they bake

Aaron

French patisserie meets Caribbean flavors. Outside work, he experiments with mono-portion bakes and homemade liqueurs.

Hassan

A chemistry grad who applies lab precision to pastry. Loves praline and nut flavors inspired by Pakistani sweets.

Iain

The self-styled “Yeastie Boy.” Known for sourdough loaves with album-art crusts and playful fermentation.

Jasmine

Edinburgh-raised, London-based medic. Bakes with seasonal produce and classic combos learned from family.

Jessika

Gymnast, roller skater, and drag king. Pushes bold flavor pairings like salted mango caramel with dark chocolate.

Leighton

Proud Welshman with a formula-first mind. Mixes British, Welsh, and American bakes, like Welsh cakes with peanut butter.

Lesley

Salon stalwart and feeder-in-chief. Loves classic “old-school” bakes dressed with fun, modern designs.

Nadia

Brings Indian and Italian roots into rustic, soulful bakes. High energy, big flavors, lots of heart.

Nataliia

Ukrainian heritage runs through her recipes. Think honey, poppy seed, nutmeg, and cinnamon notes.

Pui Man

Bridal designer whose precision shows in immaculate finishes. Volunteers food-rescue time in her community.

Toby

Fitness-world day job, bread-lover at home. Classic flavors, daily loaves, and a clean style.

Tom

Creative plating and Scandi-British comfort. Reconnected with food after stepping back from advertising.

Hosts and judges

Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith return as judges. Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond host again. Netflix’s Tudum page confirms the full panel for US viewers.

Week-1 results, so far

Cake Week opened Series 16 on 2 September 2025 in the UK. Nataliia took Star Baker, while Hassan left the tent after a tough episode. Multiple outlets reported the same outcome.

Five fast talking points about the cast

1. Two bakers are 59, making this one of the show’s broader age spreads.
   
2. Bread heads may back Iain and Toby, both keen on dough and fermentation.
   
3. Expect design-heavy patisserie from Aaron and Jessika.
   
4. Nataliia and Pui Man bring heritage detail and meticulous finishes.
   
5. Nadia’s family-style bakes promise warm, rustic flavors.
   

Where to watch

UK viewers can watch on Channel 4, live and on demand. US viewers can stream weekly on Netflix as The Great British Baking Show, with profiles and extras on Tudum. Check local listings outside these regions

Why it matters

Knowing the cast helps you follow the story in the tent. You spot growth arcs, predict handshakes, and try the same bakes at home. This lineup blends skill, heart, and style, which makes close contests more likely each week.

Quick viewer checklist

• Learn each baker’s strength before Biscuit Week.
  
• Mute spoilers on social apps until your region’s drop.
  
• Try a bread bake to compare crumb with Iain or Toby.
  
• Watch judges’ feedback for repeat themes each week.
  

Google Discover and schema

• Fresh angle: cast bios plus quick-compare table and verified week-1 status.
  
• Suggested Article schema:
  
  • headline: “Great British Bake Off 2025 cast: meet the 12 bakers, bios”
    
  • datePublished: 2025-09-09
    
  • dateModified: 2025-09-09
    
  • author: ClubRive
    
  • publisher: ClubRive
    
  • image: https://your-cdn.example/gbbo-2025-cast-1200×630.jpg
    

Sources:

• The Great British Bake Off, “Meet the Class of 2025,” https://thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk/meet-the-class-of-2025/ (2025-08-19) The Great British Bake Off
  
• Netflix Tudum, “The Great British Baking Show Collection 13: Release date, cast, judges,” https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/great-british-baking-show-collection-13-release-date-cast-news (2025-08-21, updated 2025-09-05) Netflix
  
• Radio Times, “The Great British Bake Off 2025 cast: Confirmed contestants for season 16,” https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/entertainment/the-great-british-bake-off-2025-cast/ (2025-09-09) Radio Times
  
• The Independent, “Great British Bake Off fans criticise ‘harsh’ twist as first baker eliminated,” https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/great-british-bake-off-2025-hassan-nataliia-swiss-roll-b2819070.html (2025-09-03) The Independent
  

Edinburgh Evening News, “GBBO series 16, episode 1: who left and who was Star Baker,” https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/whats-on/the-great-british-bake-off-series-16-episode-1-elimination-5300151 (2025-09-02) Edinburgh News