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The Great British Bake Off 2026 confirms exciting format change – and it could involve you

Is there a bake you've always wanted to see on the show?

Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood stood next to each other holding cakes on a cake stand.

Channel 4 / Love Productions / Mel Lehmann

Published: Friday, 2 January 2026 at 9:54 am

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The Great British Bake Off is introducing a brand new theme to its line-up, and it could all be down to one lucky fan.

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Later this year, the cosy series will introduce Audience Choice week, and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood are looking for ideas for the challenges to come from the fans themselves.

Whether you have a sensational idea for a signature, are angling for a technical, or have a brilliant bake for a showstopper, Channel 4 wants to hear from you.

Paul Hollywood said: "For the first time ever, Prue and I are going to be sharing the reins for this Audience Choice week. We want to give our brilliant viewers the chance to help shape the show, and see their ideas come to life in the tent.

"I’m really looking forward to seeing what great ideas come through. People often come up to me in the street with challenges they wish they could see on the show, well now is the perfect opportunity!"

Alison and Noel stood in the Bake Off tent, smiling ahead as they stand behind Paul and Prue who are sat down at a table.

Alison, Noel, Paul and Prue. Channel 4 / Laura Palmer / Love Productions

For those armed with ideas, you can submit it by heading to channel4.com/takepart. But be sure to get your idea in quickly, as the deadline for submissions is Sunday 18th January at 1pm.

It's important to note that a submission is not part of a competition, and there will be no prizes offered for the chosen submissions – just an opportunity to see your ideas on the show come to life!

Prue Leith added: "I’m really looking forward to Bake Off's very first Audience Choice week, giving the show’s fans the opportunity to have their say about what bakes they’d like to see in the tent next year."

Applications are also open for the 17th season of The Great British Bake Off, though applications close today (2nd January), so be quick!

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The Great British Bake Off returns later this year.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Katelyn Mensah, smiling against a lime green background.

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.

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