It won’t be long before those immortal words, ‘Ready, steady, bake!’, start ringing through households across the country – The Great British Bake off is back.

As always with GBBO, expect the odd soggy bottom, lashings of lamination and an inordinate amount of baking tray wafting.

Featuring contestants tackling tried-and-tested recipes for the Signature Challenge, a blind taste test in the Technical Challenge and, of course, showcasing their favourite bakes in the Showstopper Challenge, the contest really pushes the amateur bakers’ skills to the limit.

Each week one participant is eliminated from the programme until the final sees the remaining three go head-to-head, battling it out to be crowned winner.

The Great British Bake Off Dorset contestant

With just over a week to go, the contestants heading into the Bake Off tent have been revealed, including one from Dorset.

Supermarket cashier, Carole, was born and bred in the West Country and now lives on a Dorset hillside with her husband, Michael.

The 59-year-old has her own segment on a local radio show called ‘Compost Carole’, during which she shares her gardening know-how with listeners.

Carole says she brings the artistry used in her garden to her baking, creating colourful and eclectic bakes inspired by her passion for horticulture.

Beginning her baking journey with a first-birthday cake for her eldest granddaughter Maisie, she has since refined her skills, using YouTube to learn the finer techniques of decoration.

Her favourite flavours are fruity and punchy.

The Great British Bake Off season 13 contestants

Joining Carole in the marquee are the remaining 11 hopefuls – they hail from far and wide, but all have a passion for a springy sponge.

  • Abdul, 29, an electronics engineer from London
  • Dawn, 60, an IT manager from Bedfordshire
  • James, 25, a nuclear scientist from Cumbria
  • Janusz, 34, a PA to head teacher from East Sussex
  • Kevin, 33, a music teacher from Lanarkshire
  • Maisam, 18, a student and sales assistant from Greater Manchester
  • Maxy, 29, an architectural assistant from London
  • Rebs, 23, a masters student from County Antrim
  • Sandro, 30, a nanny from London
  • Syabira, 32 a cardiovascular research associate from London
  • Will, 45, a former charity director from London

:: Great British Bake Off Season 13 begins on Tuesday, September 13 at 8pm on Channel 4.