Could Blackburn’s next Star Baker be you? Bake Off launches search for new contestants

Do your cakes always steal the show? Are your pastries the talk of the family? Or perhaps your homemade bread could give Paul Hollywood a run for his money? The Great British Bake Off wants to hear from you!

The casting team behind the popular television baking competition has contacted Blackburn Life in the hope of finding talented home bakers from Blackburn and Darwen to take part in the next series.

Applications are now open for the 2027 series of The Great British Bake Off, and producers Love Productions are encouraging local baking enthusiasts to put themselves forward for a chance to enter the famous white tent.

Whether you’re known for spectacular celebration cakes, perfect pastries, homemade bread or brilliant biscuits, this could be your opportunity to share your baking talents with the nation.

Could you be the next Star Baker?

The team is looking for enthusiastic home bakers who enjoy making a wide range of bakes and are ready to challenge themselves.

You don’t need to be perfect, and you certainly don’t need to have won baking competitions before.

What matters is a genuine passion for baking, a willingness to learn and the personality to bring your creations to life.

The casting team said:

“We’re searching for the next batch of brilliant home bakers, ready to swap their kitchen counter for the famous white tent.

“Maybe, just maybe, the next Star Baker could be you.”

And it’s not just about technical skills. Producers want to hear about applicants’ baking journeys, favourite recipes and the stories behind the creations they’re proudest of.

Who can apply for The Great British Bake Off?

Applications are open to UK residents, including those living in the Isle of Man and Channel Islands.

Applicants must be aged 16 or over by 1 January 2027 and meet the full eligibility requirements published on the official application website.

The casting team is keen to hear from people with a genuine love of home baking, whether they’ve been baking for years or have developed their skills more recently.

And if you’ve applied for Bake Off before without being selected, don’t let that put you off.

The producers are encouraging previous applicants to give it another try, particularly if they have developed new skills, discovered new recipes or feel more confident about taking on the challenge.

Tips for your Bake Off application

Love Productions has shared some advice for anyone thinking of applying.

• Tell your story: Explain what you love about baking, how you got started and what makes your creations special.
• Show off your bakes: Include photographs demonstrating the different things you enjoy making.
• Let your personality shine: The casting team particularly welcomes videos that help them get to know the person behind the baking.
• Be yourself: Applications should reflect your own experiences, skills and original work.
• Don’t leave it too late: Give yourself plenty of time to complete your application before the deadline.

Applicants whose submissions progress will be contacted by the casting team about the next stage of the selection process.

When do applications close?

Applications close at 1pm on Friday 11 December 2026.

Anyone interested in applying can complete the official application form online:

https://www.applyforbakeoff.co.uk

If you would prefer to request an application form or need more information, contact the casting team directly:

Email: applyforbakeoff@loveproductions.co.uk

Telephone: 0117 456 8530

You can also follow the casting team on Instagram at @bakeoffcastingteam for updates.

Successful applicants who progress through the selection process will hear directly from Love Productions. Anyone who has not heard from the team by Friday 12 February 2027 should assume their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Is there a future Bake Off star in Blackburn or Darwen?

From enthusiastic home bakers who spend their weekends perfecting sourdough to family members famous for their celebration cakes, there could be plenty of undiscovered talent across Blackburn and Darwen.

Perhaps you know someone whose cakes always disappear first at a family gathering, or a friend who can turn out the perfect pastry every time?

The Bake Off team wants to hear from them.

And who knows? The next person walking into that famous white tent might just be from Blackburn or Darwen.

Applications close at 1pm on Friday 11 December 2026.

Apply at https://www.applyforbakeoff.co.uk/