Great New Year’s Bake Off 2026 line-up: Confirmed contestants
Just when you thought you couldn't possibly eat any more over Christmas, here comes Bake Off.
What better way to draw the Christmas period to a close than with a New Year special of the nations most loved TV shows.
The Great New Year Bake Off will form treats ushering in 2026 with two back to back episodes airing on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
As always, the special episode will feature bakers who have previously competed in the Bake Off tent and will return to have their bakes once again judged by Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood.
With two winners and loads of fan favourites returning to our screens, it truly is an all-star cast and the competition proves to be fierce as they all fight it out to be named Star Baker.
But just who exactly can we expect to see returning to the tent? Read on for everything you need to know about The Great New Year's Bake Off 2026 contestants.
Great New Year's Bake Off 2026 line-up
- Andy
- Nelly
- Val
- Selasi
- Briony
- Tasha
- Giuseppe
- Rahul
Read on for everything you need to know about the contestants taking part in The Great New Year's Bake Off 2026.
Andy
Instagram: @bighandypandy
Original season: Season 15 (2024)
A mechanic by trade, Andy Ryan, from Essex, first took part in Bake Off last year in 2024.
He was a quick fan favourite with his hilarious sense of humour but was ultimately eliminated during Pastry Week when he was unable to produce a structurally sound Show Stopper due to his toffee base breaking in half.
Commenting on Instagram on his return to the show, Andy said: "Over the moon to go back in the tent with these legends. I'm a lucky guy!"
Nelly
Instagram: @nellyghaffar
Original season: Season 15 (2024)
Palliative Care Assistant Nelly Ghaffer also appeared in last year's season of the much-loved show alongside Andy, before becoming the sixth person to leave the tent as she was eliminated during Autumn Week.
She was noted for her positive attitude, even upon exiting the show, saying: " ‘It’s not commiseration, it is a positive. Everyone is crying… Of course I am happy - in each of your heart is a piece of Nelly and you are never going to forget me."
Val
Instagram: @valcake.walks
Original season: Season 7 (2016)
Val Stones was on The Great British Bake Off over 9 years ago in 2016 and was the final series broadcast on BBC One before the show moved to Channel 4.
The former headteacher left the series in Week 5 but not before ascertaining her legacy as a Cake Whisperer are she explained the judges her cakes "sing" to her when they are ready.
On being asked to return to the show for the festive special, Val said on Instagram: "It was an amazing experience and I can’t wait to see the final cut."
Selasi
Instagram: @selasigb
Original season: Season 7 (2016)
Selasi Gbormittah first appeared on Bake off in 2016 and is now dusting off his apron as he heads back into the tent once more for the New year's special.
On his season, Selasi was known for his chilled out attitude and was the first baker to win the Technical Challenge in Week 1. He made it all the way to the semi-finals but ultimately it was his inability to meet the judges' standards during Patisserie Week that saw him missing out on a place in the final.
He was excited to be asked back to the tent, commenting on Instagram: "Good to be back in ‘our old stomping ground’ for this special one."
Briony
Instagram: @brionymaybakes
Original season: Season 9 (2018)
Briony May Williams was a semi finalist on her original season, finishing fourth in 2018, however the following year she went on to win The Great British Bake Off Christmas Special.
She is now returning to the tent for a third time. "What a dream to be back in the tent, such an awesome group of humans!!!," she said on Instagram.
Tasha
Instagram: @tasha_f_stones
Original season: Season 14 (2023)
Tasha Stones was originally on Season 14 of The Great British Bake Off and was the show's first deaf contestant. She impressed the judges from the first week and made it all the way to the semi finals. She was sent home during Patisserie Week after a messy presentation of her Show Stopper and a grainy curd.
Speaking on Instagram about her time on the New Year's special, the baker said: "I’d like to ring in the new year like this every year please."
Giuseppe
Instagram: @giuseppecooks
Original season: Season 12 (2021)
Italian baker Giuseppe Dell'Anno was a fan favourite from the start of Season 12. He won the show in 2021 but not before being given a run for his money by fellow contestant and intense competitor Jürgen.
Rahul
Instagram: @bakewithrahul
Original season: Season 9 (2018)
Rahul Mandal is a two-time Bake Off champion, having won Season 9 in 2018 and also the New Year's special in 2021. He is now back for his third stint on the show, and his second festive special.
"It was an honour to be invited back to the @britishbakeoff tent ,with your baking bestie @giuseppecooks for the new year special. It was such a privilege to be in the tent with them. I am just glad I can be there," he wrote on Instagram.
The Great New Year's Bake Off 2026 will air on Wednesday 31st December at 9pm and Thursday 1st January at 7:40pm on Channel 4.
Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Phoebe Kowhai Barnes is a Freelance Writer who covers pop culture and entertainment programmes for the Radio Times. She previously worked as the Senior Assistant Editor at The Tab where she managed its local department. She obtained a BA (Hons) in English Literature from University of Nottingham.
