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Junior Bake Off
Junior Bake Off
from Wikipedia

Junior Bake Off
GenreBaking
Reality
Directed byNicholas Berry
Presented by
Judges
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series10
No. of episodes148 (and 8 specials)
Production
Executive producerUnknown
Production location
  • Cobham Hall
Running time28 minutes (2011–2016)
60 minutes (2019–)
Production companyLove Productions
Original release
NetworkCBBC (2011–2016)
Channel 4 (2019–)
Release31 October 2011 (2011-10-31) –
present
Related
The Great British Bake Off

Junior Bake Off is a British television baking competition in which young bakers aged 9 to 12 tackle a series of challenges involving baking cakes, biscuits, bread, and pastries, competing to be crowned Junior Bake Off Champion.

The series debuted in 2011 as a spin-off from The Great British Bake Off and is also produced by Love Productions. Four series of Junior Bake Off were broadcast on CBBC from 2011 to 2016. Following its parent series' departure from the BBC in 2017, Junior Bake Off resumed with a fifth series in 2019 on Channel 4, with comedian Harry Hill as presenter and Prue Leith and Liam Charles as judges. The fifth series concluded on 22 November 2019. The show returned for a sixth series on 11 January 2021, with Ravneet Gill replacing Prue Leith. Junior Bake Off returned Monday 10 January 2022 for its seventh series and concluded on 28 January 2022. Junior Bake Off returned on 16 January 2023 for its eighth series and concluded on 3 February 2023. On 10 January it was announced that Junior Bake Off has been renewed for its eleventh series to air in 2026.[1][2] [3][4]

Format

[edit]

Each series of Junior Bake Off typically includes 15 episodes. While The Great British Bake Off features three challenges per episode (signature, technical, and showstopper), Junior Bake Off includes only the technical and showstopper challenges. In the first four series, aired on CBBC from 2011 to 2016, the format featured 40 young bakers aged 9 to 12 years old divided into 10 qualifying rounds or heats.[5] Each episode featured only four bakers, with one winner each episode and the other three eliminated. The winning baker from each heat were brought back for 'Finals Week' (divided into two semi-finals, followed by two finals, and then one grand final) which determined the winner.

The format was altered in 2019 when the series moved to Channel 4. The episodes were increased from 30 minutes to one hour, the number of bakers halved to 20 (16 from series 6), and the upper age range of the contestants increased from 12 to 15 (changed back to 12 from series 8[6]).[7] Instead of only four bakers taking part in each qualifying round, the bakers are divided into two groups of 10 each, with five eliminated from one group during the first five episodes, and five eliminated from the second group during the second five episodes.[8] The remaining five bakers from each group are combined in the week-long finals, resulting in quarterfinals, semifinals and finals.[9] The 'Star Baker' award, given to the judges' favourite baker in each episode, was not included in the CBBC version of the show but is a part of the Channel 4 format.

Series overview

[edit]
Series Eps. Premiere Finale Winner Finalists Channel
1 13 31 October 2011 17 November 2011 Freya Watson Kai CBBC
Kieran
Saffron
2 15 11 November 2013 29 November 2013 Harry Emma
Ruby
Zainab
3 15 2 November 2015 20 November 2015 Amari Koryang Alyth
Euan
Megan
4 15 7 November 2016 25 November 2016 Nikki Lilly Macy
Tyrese
5 15 4 November 2019 22 November 2019 Fin Aleena Channel 4
Amal
Eliza
6 15 11 January 2021 29 January 2021 Reece Robbie
Naima
Cece
7 15 10 January 2022 28 January 2022 Kezia Lola
Aisya
Fraser
8 15 16 January 2023 3 February 2023 Amelia Thomas
Annabel
Mya
9 15 2 January 2024 19 January 2024 Tilly Annabelle
Ilham
Max
10 15 6 January 2025 24 January 2025 Austin Lola
Ronnie
Deji

Presenters and judges

[edit]
Series Presenters Judges
1 Aaron Craze Paul Hollywood Mary Berry
2 James Martin
3 Sam Nixon & Mark Rhodes Allegra McEvedy Graham Hornigold
4 Nadiya Hussain
5 Harry Hill Liam Charles Prue Leith
6 Ravneet Gill
7
8
9
10

Series 1 (2011)

[edit]

The first series began on 31 October 2011 on CBBC with judges from the main show Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry. Aaron Craze presented the show.

Heat A Airdate: 31 October 2011
Baker Age Hometown Result
Amari 11 North London Eliminated
Joe 9 West Sussex Top 8
Joy 12 Glasgow Eliminated
Marie 11 Southampton Eliminated
Heat B Airdate: 1 November 2011
Baker Age Hometown Result
Millie 11 York Eliminated
Saffron 10 Essex Top 8
Sam 11 Cheshire Eliminated
Stanley 12 Brighton Eliminated
Heat C Airdate: 2 November 2011
Baker Age Hometown Result
Hari 9 Birmingham Eliminated
Holly 12 Oxford Eliminated
Kieran 12 York Top 8
Sylvia 11 Bristol Eliminated
Heat D Airdate: 3 November 2011
Baker Age Hometown Result
Alex 11 Northampton Eliminated
Cameron 12 Sheffield Top 8
Ellie 10 Edinburgh Eliminated
Zyta 12 Aylesbury Eliminated
Heat E Airdate: 7 November 2011
Baker Age Hometown Result
Galway 12 Sutton Coldfield Eliminated
Jim 11 West Sussex Eliminated
Sangita 12 Bradford Top 8
Scott 11 Kent Eliminated
Heat F Airdate: 8 November 2011
Baker Age Hometown Result
Abigail 11 Rowley Regis Eliminated
Kai 12 Wirral Top 8
Olivia 12 Pontypridd Eliminated
Sami 11 Leicester Eliminated
Heat G Airdate: 9 November 2011
Baker Age Hometown Result
Coco-Nina 11 Bath Eliminated
Conal 11 Cambridge Eliminated
Jacob 12 Herefordshire Top 8
Katie 9 County Fermanagh Eliminated
Heat H Airdate: 10 November 2011
Baker Age Hometown Result
Aasiya 11 Hertfordshire Eliminated
Cameron Stott 7 Derbyshire Eliminated
Freya Watson 10 Newbury Top 8
Sam 10 Somerset Eliminated
Top 8 semi-finals A Airdate: 14 November 2011
Baker Age Hometown Result
Cameron 12 Sheffield Eliminated
Joe 9 West Sussex Eliminated
Kieran 12 York Top 4
Saffron 10 Essex Top 4
Top 8 semi-finals B Airdate: 15 November 2011
Baker Age Hometown Result
Freya Watson 10 Newbury Top 4
Jacob 12 Herefordshire Eliminated
Kai 12 Wirral Top 4
Sangita 12 Bradford Eliminated
Top 4 finals Airdate: 17 November 2011
Baker Age Hometown Result
Freya Watson 10 Newbury Won[10]
Kai 12 Wirral Runner-up
Kieran 12 York Runner-up
Saffron 10 Essex Runner-up

Series 2 (2013)

[edit]

A second series began on 11 November 2013 on CBBC.[11] Chef James Martin replaced Hollywood as judge.

Heat A Airdate: 11 November 2013
Baker Age Hometown Result
Alexandre 12 Hertfordshire Eliminated
Anna 11 Kent Eliminated
Brinta 12 London Eliminated
Griffin 11 Wrexham,
North Wales
Top 10
Heat B Airdate: 12 November 2013
Baker Age Hometown Result
Ann 12 Bristol Eliminated
Ben 11 Wales Eliminated
Ellie 11 Edinburgh Top 10
Finn 10 North Yorkshire Eliminated
Heat C Airdate: 13 November 2013
Baker Age Hometown Result
Ben 10 North Yorkshire Eliminated
Emma 11 Pembrokeshire, Wales Top 10
George 11 Shropshire Eliminated
Megan 11 Midlands Eliminated
Heat D Airdate: 14 November 2013
Baker Age Hometown Result
Charlie 10 Northampton Eliminated
Ellie 10 Manchester Eliminated
Joseph 10 Oldham Eliminated
Ruby 11 Devon Top 10
Heat E Airdate: 15 November 2013
Baker Age Hometown Result
Abhimanyu 11 Warwickshire Eliminated
Alex 10 Lincolnshire Eliminated
Emily 12 South Lanarkshire Top 10
Jojo 11 London Eliminated
Heat F Airdate: 18 November 2013
Baker Age Hometown Result
Cameron 12 Kent Eliminated
Elizabeth 11 Bristol Eliminated
Katie 11 Belfast Eliminated
Monty 12 Cheshire Top 10
Heat G Airdate: 19 November 2013
Baker Age Hometown Result
Aaminah 12 Middlesex Eliminated
Alfie 10 Norfolk Eliminated
Archie 11 County Down,
Northern Ireland
Top 10
Esther 9 Cheshire Eliminated
Heat H Airdate: 20 November 2013
Baker Age Hometown Result
Harrison 12 East Sussex Eliminated
Harry 10 Hampshire Top 10
Isabelle 12 Lancashire Eliminated
Rosie 11 Essex Eliminated
Heat I Airdate: 21 November 2013
Baker Age Hometown Result
Charlie 11 Norfolk Eliminated
Louis 10 Cambridge Eliminated
Ruby 12 Cheshire Eliminated
Zainab 10 Hertfordshire Top 10
Heat J Airdate: 22 November 2013
Baker Age Hometown Result
James 11 Coventry Eliminated
Kavern 9 London Top 10
Lily-Grace 12 Middlesex Eliminated
Missy 11 Birmingham Eliminated
Top 10 semi-finals A Airdate: 25 November 2013
Baker Age Hometown Result
Ellie 11 Edinburgh Eliminated
Emily 12 South Lanarkshire Eliminated
Emma 11 Pembrokeshire, Wales Top 4
Griffin 11 Wrexham,
North Wales
Eliminated
Ruby 11 Devon Top 4
Top 10 semi-finals B Airdate: 26 November 2013
Baker Age Hometown Result
Archie 11 County Down,
Northern Ireland
Eliminated
Harry 10 Hampshire Top 4
Kavern 9 London Eliminated
Monty 12 Cheshire Eliminated
Zainab 10 Hertfordshire Top 4
Top 4 finals Airdate: 26 November 2013
Baker Age Hometown Result
Harry 10 Hampshire Won
Emma 11 Pembrokeshire, Wales Runner-up
Ruby 11 Devon Runner-up
Zainab 10 Hertfordshire Runner-up

Series 3 (2015)

[edit]

A third series began airing on 2 November 2015 on CBBC, with Sam Nixon and Mark Rhodes replacing Craze as hosts. Allegra McEvedy and Graham Hornigold took over from Berry and Martin as judges.[12]

Heat A Airdate: 2 November 2015
Baker Age Hometown Result
Alyth 11 Lanarkshire,
Scotland
Top 10
Harrison
Brown
10 Worcestershire Eliminated
Kiah 11 London Eliminated
Matthew 9 Derbyshire Eliminated
Heat B Airdate: 3 November 2015
Baker Age Hometown Result
Farhaan 10 London Eliminated
Hannah 11 Conwy,
North Wales
Eliminated
Olivia
Millburn
10 Northumberland Top 10
Tom 12 London Eliminated
Heat C Airdate: 4 November 2015
Baker Age Hometown Result
Grainne 12 Belfast Eliminated
Isaac
Greenhill
11 York Top 10
Matilda 10 Surrey Eliminated
Will 11 Hertfordshire Eliminated
Heat D Airdate: 5 November 2015
Baker Age Hometown Result
Euan
Buckley
12 West Lothian Top 10
Lucy 11 Kent Eliminated
Peter 10 Sheffield Eliminated
Sienna 11 Stratford-upon-Avon Eliminated
Heat E Airdate: 6 November 2015
Baker Age Hometown Result
Alex 12 Manchester Eliminated
Hafsa 12 Wembley Eliminated
James 12 Gosport Eliminated
Megan
Lewis
12 Rhondda Valley Top 10
Heat F Airdate: 9 November 2015
Baker Age Hometown Result
Alice 11 Dorset Top 10
Corey 11 Forth Valley Eliminated
Finlay 10 Northumberland Eliminated
Sufia 10 West Yorkshire Eliminated
Heat G Airdate: 10 November 2015
Baker Age Hometown Result
Alfie 11 Swindon Eliminated
Andrea 10 Middlesex Eliminated
Freddie
Patmore
12 Newcastle Top 10
Lucy 12 Liverpool Eliminated
Heat H Airdate: 11 November 2015
Baker Age Hometown Result
Ben 12 Sutton Coldfield Eliminated
Darcey
Harkness
12 Belfast Top 10
Isabel 11 Hove Eliminated
Will 9 Cardiff Eliminated
Heat I Airdate: 12 November 2015
Baker Age Hometown Result
Amari
Koryang
11 Birmingham Top 10
Ben 12 Leeds Eliminated
Khushi 10 Hertfordshire Eliminated
Oscar 9 Maidenhead Eliminated
Heat J Airdate: 13 November 2015
Baker Age Hometown Result
Ben 10 Tyne and Wear Eliminated
Grace 11 Oxfordshire Eliminated
Purdey
Burton
12 London Top 10
Tom 11 East Sussex Eliminated
Top 10 quarterfinals A Airdate: 16 November 2015
Baker Age Hometown Result
Alyth 11 Lanarkshire,
Scotland
Top 6
Darcey 12 Belfast Eliminated
Euan 12 West Lothian Top 6
Freddie 12 Newcastle Top 6
Olivia 10 Northumberland Eliminated
Top 10 quarterfinals B Airdate: 17 November 2015
Baker Age Hometown Result
Alice 11 Dorset Top 6
Amari 11 Birmingham Top 6
Isaac 11 York Eliminated
Megan 12 Rhondda Valley Top 6
Purdey 12 London Eliminated
Top 6 semifinals Airdate: 18 November 2015 Finals Airdate: 19–20 November 2015
Baker Age Hometown Result
Amari 11 Birmingham Won
Alyth 11 Lanarkshire,
Scotland
Runner-up
Euan 12 West Lothian Runner-up
Megan 12 Rhondda Valley Runner-up
Alice 11 Dorset Eliminated
Freddie 12 Newcastle Eliminated
Viewership ratings for series three (2015)
Episode No. Airdate Total viewers CBBC Channel Weekly Ranking
1 2 November 2015 677,000 1
2 3 November 2015 662,000 2
3 4 November 2015 658,000 5
4 5 November 2015 672,000 4
5 6 November 2015 673,000 1
6 9 November 2015 647,000 5
7 10 November 2015 632,000 2
8 11 November 2015 658,000 2
9 12 November 2015 660,000 9
10 13 November 2015 671,000 6
11 16 November 2015 668,000 8
12 17 November 2015 672,000 4
13 18 November 2015 673,000 1
14 19 November 2015 669,000 2
15 20 November 2015 678,000 1

Series 4 (2016)

[edit]

The fourth series began on 7 November 2016 on CBBC.[13] Allegra McEvedy returns as judge with Nadiya Hussain replacing Graham Hornigold. Presenters Sam & Mark returned to host.

Heat A Airdate: 7 November 2016
Baker Age Hometown Result
Abi 11 Perthshire Eliminated
Annabel 9 Norfolk Eliminated
Harry 12 Hampshire Eliminated
Tyrese 11 London Top 10
Heat B Airdate: 8 November 2016
Baker Age Hometown Result
Billy 12 Wiltshire Eliminated
Evie 11 Leicestershire Top 10
Nigel 10 Northamptonshire Eliminated
Shriyana 11 Swansea Eliminated
Heat C Airdate: 9 November 2016
Baker Age Hometown Result
Ben Wiser 11 Shropshire Eliminated
Francesca 11 Middlesex Top 10
Hannah 10 Birmingham Eliminated
Oliver 11 Staffordshire Eliminated
Heat D Airdate: 10 November 2016
Baker Age Hometown Result
Mack 10 Cardiff Eliminated
Millie 11 Swindon Eliminated
Rosie 11 West Midlands Eliminated
Zac 11 London Top 10
Heat E Airdate: 11 November 2016
Baker Age Hometown Result
Elodie 9 Buckinghamshire Eliminated
Hamish 10 Edinburgh Eliminated
Nikki
Lilly
12 London Top 10
Ollie 11 Somerset Eliminated
Heat F Airdate: 14 November 2016
Baker Age Hometown Result
Dylan 10 Sussex Eliminated
Ali 11 Birmingham Eliminated
Jenna
Ghattaora
11 Nottingham Top 10
Robin 11 Scottish Borders Eliminated
Heat G Airdate: 15 November 2016
Baker Age Hometown Result
Jamie 9 Doncaster Eliminated
JJ 11 Tyne and Wear Eliminated
Maisie 12 Swindom Top 10
Mia 10 Belfast Eliminated
Heat H Airdate: 16 November 2016
Baker Age Hometown Result
Ffion 10 Gwynedd Eliminated
Harry 10 Bristol Eliminated
Lottie
Pottinger
12 Cheshire Top 10
Mehdi 12 London Eliminated
Heat I Airdate: 17 November 2016
Baker Age Hometown Result
Harvey 12 Essex Eliminated
Joseph 12 Grimsby Eliminated
Macy
Braithwaite
12 Coventry Top 10
Sophie 10 Merseyside Eliminated
Heat J Airdate: 18 November 2016
Baker Age Hometown Result
Mimi 11 London Eliminated
Rachel 12 Solihull Top 10
Tom 12 Surrey Eliminated
Yasmin 9 Kent Eliminated
Top 10 quarterfinals A Airdate: 21 November 2016
Baker Age Hometown Result
Evie 11 Leicestershire Eliminated
Francesca 11 Middlesex Top 6
Nikki
Lilly
12 London Top 6
Tyrese 11 London Top 6
Zac 11 London Eliminated
Top 10 quarterfinals B Airdate: 22 November 2016
Baker Age Hometown Result
Jenna
Ghattaora
11 Nottingham Top 6
Lottie
Pottinger
12 Cheshire Top 6
Macy
Braithwaite
12 Coventry Top 6
Maisie 12 Swindom Eliminated
Rachel 12 Solihull Eliminated
Top 6 semifinals Airdate: 23 November 2016 Finals Airdate: 24–25 November 2016
Baker Age Hometown Result
Nikki
Lilly
12 London Won
Macy
Braithwaite
12 Coventry Runner-up
Tyrese 11 London Runner-up
Jenna
Ghattaora
11 Nottingham Eliminated
Lottie
Pottinger
12 Cheshire Eliminated
Francesca 11 Middlesex Withdrew[a]
  1. ^ Francesca fell ill before the semifinal and could not continue competing further.

Series 5 (2019)

[edit]

The fifth series began on 4 November 2019 on Channel 4.[14] Harry Hill presented the series which was judged by Prue Leith and Liam Charles.

Heat one
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker
(leg)
Position
Aleena 15 Manchester 2 (3rd & 4th) Top 10
Amal 13 Essex 0 Top 10
Maddie 11 London 0 Top 10
Tilly 10 Bath 1 (5th) Top 10
Vaughan 13 Hartlepool 0 Top 10
Bakr 15 Derby 1 (2nd) Eliminated 4th
Zoë 10 Nottingham 0 Eliminated 3rd
Zak 13 Hertfordshire 0 Eliminated 2nd
George 11 Devonshire 0 Eliminated 1st
Oliver 10 Northampton 1 (1st) Eliminated 1st
Heat two
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker
(leg)
Position
Eliza 14 North Yorkshire 4 (1st, 2nd,
3rd & 5th)
Top 10
Fin 13 Manchester 1 (4th) Top 10
Kian 13 Hull 0 Top 10
Tom O 15 Gloucestershire 0 Top 10
Tom W 13 Falmouth 0 Top 10
Karina 13 West Yorkshire 0 Eliminated 4th
Lorien 9 London 0 Eliminated 3rd
Jaya 10 Solihull 0 Eliminated 2nd
Dru 15 London 0 Eliminated 1st
Sam 9 Berkshire 0 Eliminated 1st
Top 10 Finals
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker
(leg)
Star Baker
(total)
Finish
Fin 13 Manchester 0 1 Won
Aleena 15 Manchester 1 (4th) 3 Runner-up
Amal 13 Essex 2 (1st & 2nd) 2 Runner-up
Eliza 14 North Yorkshire 1 (3rd) 5 Runner-up
Tom W 13 Falmouth 0 0 5th
Vaughan 13 Hartlepool 0 0 5th
Kian 13 Hull 0 0 7th
Tom O 15 Gloucestershire 0 0 7th
Maddie 11 London 0 0 9th
Tilly 10 Bath 0 1 10th
Viewership ratings for series five (2019)
Episode No. Airdate Viewers (millions) Channel Weekly Ranking
1 4 November 2019 1.86 7
2 5 November 2019 1.58 9
3 6 November 2019 1.39 14
4 7 November 2019 Outside Top 15
5 8 November 2019 Outside Top 15
6 11 November 2019 Outside Top 15
7 12 November 2019 1.47 15
8 13 November 2019 1.49 13
9 14 November 2019 Outside Top 15
10 15 November 2019 1.60 9
11 18 November 2019 1.46 11
12 19 November 2019 1.58 5
13 20 November 2019 1.46 10
14 21 November 2019 1.54 8
15 22 November 2019 1.66 4

Series 6 (2021)

[edit]

The sixth series of Junior Bake Off began on 11 January 2021 on Channel 4[15] with Ravneet Gill replacing Prue Leith.

Heat one
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker
(leg)
Position
Cece 13 Kent 0 Top 8
Fern 10 Merseyside 1 (4th) Top 8
Reece 14 Leicestershire 2 (1st & 5th) Top 8
Robbie 15 Bristol 1 (2nd) Top 8
Erin 13 Worcestershire 1 (3rd) Eliminated 4th
Sophia 10 Hertfordshire 0 Eliminated 3rd
Fyn 10 Hampshire 0 Eliminated 2nd
Charlie 10 Worcestershire 0 Eliminated 1st
Heat two
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker
(leg)
Position
Maddi 14 Gateshead 1 (4th) Top 8
Naima 9/10 South London 0 Top 8
Safiyyah 14 Reading 2 (2nd & 5th) Top 8
Zack 13 Leeds 2 (1st & 3rd) Top 8
Henry 11 Hertfordshire 0 Eliminated 4th
Will 12 West Yorkshire 0 Eliminated 3rd
Toby 13 Cambridge 0 Eliminated 2nd
Sicily 10 Devon 0 Eliminated 1st
Top 8 Finals
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker
(leg)
Star Baker
(total)
Finish
Reece 14 Leicestershire 2 (1st & 2nd) 4 Won
Cece 13 Kent 0 0 Runner-up
Naima 9-10 South London 1 (4th) 1 Runner-up
Robbie 15 Bristol 1 (3rd) 2 Runner-up
Safiyyah 14 Reading 0 2 5th
Fern 10 Merseyside 0 1 6th
Zack 13 Leeds 0 2 7th
Maddi 14 Gateshead 0 1 8th
Viewership ratings for series six (2021)
Episode No. Airdate Viewers (millions)[16] Channel Weekly Ranking
1 11 January 2021 1.70 11
2 12 January 2021 1.59 13
3 13 January 2021 1.66 12
4 14 January 2021 1.42 15
5 15 January 2021 Outside Top 15
6 18 January 2021 Outside Top 15
7 19 January 2021 1.64 14
8 20 January 2021 1.90 10
9 21 January 2021 1.63 15
10 22 January 2021 1.72 11
11 25 January 2021 1.60 13
12 26 January 2021 1.53 15
13 27 January 2021 Outside Top 15
14 28 January 2021 1.65 11
15 29 January 2021 1.84 9

Series 7 (2022)

[edit]

The seventh series originally aired on 10–28 January 2022 on Channel 4, with 16 contestants competing to be crowned the winner of the seventh series. Comedian Harry Hill and bakers Liam Charles and Ravneet Gill returned as host and judges respectively. From episodes 1–3, Paul Hollywood stood in for Charles.[17] The bakers were divided into two groups of 8, with four eliminated from each group over five days of competition. The remaining four bakers from each group were combined in the week-long finals, culminating in a "super-difficult showdown" episode that determined the winner.[18] Kezia won the 2022 series.[19][non-primary source needed]

Source:[20]

Heat one
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker
(leg)
Position
Kezia 13 London 2 (3rd & 5th) Top 8
Lola 9 Lancashire 1 (4th) Top 8
Macy 10 Liverpool 0 Top 8
Quique 9 Devon 1 (2nd) Top 8
Eliza 10 Hertfordshire 0 Eliminated 4th
Mia WL 11 London 0 Eliminated 3rd
Will 11 Hertfordshire 0 Eliminated 2nd
Joey 11 Manchester 1 (1st) Eliminated 1st
Heat two
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker
(leg)
Position
Aisya 12 Manchester 1 (4th) Top 8
Fraser 15 York 3 (2nd, 3rd & 5th) Top 8
Gabriel 10 Cornwall 0 Top 8
Salma 13 Manchester 1 (1st) Top 8
Tomos 11 Cardiff 0 Eliminated 4th
Mia C 15 Newcastle 0 Eliminated 3rd
D'vonte 11 Nottinghamshire 0 Eliminated 2nd
Olivia 9 Nottingham 0 Eliminated 1st
Top 8 Finals
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker
(leg)
Star Baker
(total)
Finish
Kezia 13 London 1 (2nd) 3 Won
Aisya 12 Manchester 1 (4th) 2 Runner-up
Lola 9 Lancashire 1 (1st) 2 Runner-up
Fraser 15 York 1 (3rd) 4 Runner-up
Quique 9 Devon 0 1 5th
Macy 10 Liverpool 0 0 6th
Salma 13 Manchester 0 1 7th
Gabriel 10 Cornwall 0 0 8th
Viewership ratings for series seven (2022)
Episode No. Airdate Viewers (millions)[21] Channel Weekly Ranking
1 10 January 2022 1.34 10
2 11 January 2022 1.32 11
3 12 January 2022 Outside Top 15
4 13 January 2022 Outside Top 15
5 14 January 2022 Outside Top 15
6 17 January 2022 Outside Top 15
7 18 January 2022 1.19 13
8 19 January 2022 Outside Top 15
9 20 January 2022 Outside Top 15
10 21 January 2022 1.17 15
11 24 January 2022 Outside Top 15
12 25 January 2022 1.23 13
13 26 January 2022 1.22 14
14 27 January 2022 Outside Top 15
15 28 January 2022 1.24 12

Series 8 (2023)

[edit]

The eighth series of Junior Bake Off began airing on 16 January 2023 on Channel 4. For the fourth series in a row, Harry Hill presented the series, which was judged by Ravneet Gill and Liam Charles. Amelia won the competition and Thomas, Mya and Annabel B were runners up.

Heat one
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker
(leg)
Position
Sofia 10 Lancashire 2 (1st & 5th) Top 8
Imogen 9 Bath 1 (2nd) Top 8
Dolly 10 Cheshire 0 Top 8
Annabel A 11 Antrim 1 (4th) Top 8
Oliver 11 Yorkshire 1 (1st) Eliminated 4th
Charlie 9 Sussex 0 Eliminated 3rd
Ezekiel 12 Leeds 0 Eliminated 2nd
Alfie 9 Sussex 0 Eliminated 1st
Heat two
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker
(leg)
Position
Amelia 12 Staffordshire 2 (2nd & 5th) Top 8
Thomas 12 London 1 (1st) Top 8
Mya 10 London 0 Top 8
Annabel B 9 Essex 2 (3rd & 4th) Top 8
Harrison 10 West Midlands 0 Eliminated 4th
Poppy 11 Tyne and Wear 0 Eliminated 3rd
Tristan 10 Essex 0 Eliminated 2nd
Jamie 10 Warwickshire 0 Eliminated 1st
Top 8 Finals
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker
(leg)
Star Baker
(total)
Finish
Amelia 12 Staffordshire 1 (2nd) 3 Won
Annabel B 9 Essex 0 2 Runner-up
Mya 10 London 1 (4th) 1 Runner-up
Thomas 12 London 2 (1st & 3rd) 3 Runner-up
Sofia 10 Lancashire 0 2
Imogen 9 Bath 0 1
Dolly 10 Cheshire 0 0
Annabel A 11 Antrim 0 1

Series 9 (2024)

[edit]

The ninth series of Junior Bake Off began airing on 2 January 2024 on Channel 4. For the fifth series in a row, Harry Hill presented the series, which was judged by Ravneet Gill and Liam Charles. Tilly won the competition and Max, Annabelle and Ilham were runners up.

Heat one
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker
(leg)
Position
Grace 12 Somerset 2 (3rd & 4th) Top 8
Rudy 10 Birmingham 2 (2nd & 5th) Top 8
Charlie 10 Swansea 0 Top 8
Esme 9 Essex 0 Top 8
Ethan 11 Bath 0 Eliminated 4th
Elsie 9 London 0 Eliminated 3rd
Layla 11 Leeds 0 Eliminated 2nd
Issac 11 Yorkshire 1 (1st) Eliminated 1st
Heat two
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker
(leg)
Position
Tilly 12 Oxfordshire 1 (4th) Top 8
Annabelle 12 Manchester 2 (2nd & 5th) Top 8
Max 12 Surrey 2 (1st & 3rd) Top 8
Ilham 10 London 0 Top 8
Harry 12 West Midlands 0 Eliminated 4th
Santica 11 Belfast 0 Eliminated 3rd
Leo 11 Isle of Wight 0 Eliminated 2nd
Calvin 9 Yorkshire 0 Eliminated 1st
Top 8 Finals
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker
(leg)
Star Baker
(total)
Finish
Tilly 12 Oxfordshire 1 (3rd) 2 Won
Annabelle 12 Manchester 1 (2nd) 3 Runner-up
Max 12 Surrey 0 2 Runner-up
Ilham 10 London 2 (1st & 4th) 2 Runner-up
Grace 12 Somerset 0 2 5th
Rudy 10 Birmingham 0 2 6th
Charlie 11 Swansea 0 0 7th
Esme 9 Essex 0 0 8th

Series 10 (2025)

[edit]

The tenth series of Junior Bake Off began airing on 6 January 2025 and ended on 24 January 2025 on Channel 4. For the sixth series in a row, Harry Hill presented the series, with returning judges Ravneet Gill and Liam Charles. Austin won the competition and Lola, Ronnie and Deji were runners up.

Heat one
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker
(leg)
Position
Deji 12 Berkshire 3 (1st, 2nd & 5th) Top 8
Lola 10 Leicestershire 1 (3rd) Top 8
Ronnie 10 South Yorkshire 1 (4th) Top 8
Austin 10 Berkshire 0 Top 8
Francesca 11 Belfast 0 Eliminated 4th
Farah 11 Northamptonshire 0 Eliminated 3rd
Rose 11 Buckinghamshire 0 Eliminated 2nd
Enzo 9 Somerset 0 Eliminated 1st
Heat two
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker (leg) Position
Bela 11 Cheshire 1 (3rd) Top 8
Jay 12 Worcestershire 1 (4th) Top 8
Kingston 11 Cambridgeshire 2 (2nd & 5th) Top 8
Lana 10 Tyne and Wear 0 Top 8
Joey 10 Norfolk 0 Eliminated 4th
Aasiyah 11 London 0 Eliminated 3rd
Ben 9 London 1 (1st) Eliminated 2nd
Jessie 12 London 0 Eliminated 1st
Top 8 Finals
Baker Age Hometown Star Baker
(leg)
Star Baker
(total)
Finish
Austin 10 Berkshire 1 (2nd) 1 Won
Ronnie 10 South Yorkshire 1 (4th) 2 Runner-up
Deji 12 Berkshire 0 3 Runner-up
Lola 10 Leicestershire 1 (1st) 2 Runner-up
Lana 10 Tyne and Wear 1 (3rd) 1 5th
Kingston 11 Cambridgeshire 0 2 6th
Jay 12 Worcestershire 0 1 7th
Bela 11 Cheshire 0 1 8th

International versions

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The Brazilian version of Junior Bake Off - Junior Bake Off Brasil - currently broadcasts on SBT.

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Junior Bake Off is a British children's baking competition television series and a spin-off of , featuring amateur young bakers aged 9 to 12 competing in a to impress judges through creative bakes, precise Technical challenges, and elaborate Showstoppers. The show premiered on 31 October 2011 on , with the first episode airing four young contestants tasked with creating 'cakes from '. Produced by , the BAFTA award-winning format ran for four series on until 2016, during which 40 participants aged 9 to 12 were divided into 10 qualifying heats leading to semi-finals and a grand final. The programme was revived by in 2019, aligning with their acquisition of the Bake Off franchise, and has since aired additional series with an expanded 15-episode structure over three weeks on weekdays, including quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final where the winner is crowned Britain's best junior baker. The original CBBC run was hosted by Aaron Craze and judged by and in series 1, followed by James Martin replacing Hollywood in series 2. Since its return, comedian has served as host, with judging duties initially shared by and former contestant , and later by Charles and pastry chef from series 6 onward. The 10th series aired from 6 January to 24 January 2025, weekdays at 5pm. Notable for promoting baking skills, creativity, and resilience among young participants, Junior Bake Off has produced winners like Amelia, who triumphed in series 8 in 2023 after navigating themed challenges expressing personal creativity, and Austin, the 11-year-old from Reading who won series 10 in 2025. The series emphasizes a supportive environment, with hosts and judges providing guidance, and has been praised for inspiring a new generation of bakers while maintaining the iconic white tent setting from its parent show.

Programme details

Format

Junior Bake Off is a competitive baking programme tailored for children, primarily aged 9 to 12 (extended to 9-15 in series 5-7 before reverting), featuring a structure that mirrors the adult version of but with adaptations to suit younger participants. In the original era (series 1-4), 40 bakers were divided into 10 heats of 4 contestants each, with each heat episode involving three challenges and one winner advancing to finals. From series 5 on , the format shifted to 20 (later 16) bakers in two groups of 10, with each group competing over five themed days/episodes: Cake, Biscuit, Bread, Dessert, and Pastry. No elimination on the first day, but one baker is eliminated each subsequent day based on judges' assessment, with winners advancing to quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand final. The core of the programme revolves around challenges testing creativity, skill, and baking knowledge, adapted per category day. The Signature Bake allows contestants to present a personal family , showcasing their own style and familiarity with ingredients. This is followed by the Technical Challenge, where bakers receive an incomplete and must complete it under time pressure without prior preparation, emphasizing problem-solving and basic techniques. The challenges culminate in more elaborate tasks highlighting ambition and presentation, often requiring multi-component designs. Judges evaluate performances across all challenges, assessing taste, appearance, and execution; the contestant with the lowest overall performance is eliminated at the end of each or day. A Star Baker is awarded to the highest-performing participant per or week, recognizing standout efforts, though this feature was introduced in the era. To accommodate junior contestants, recipes are simplified with accessible ingredients and instructions, and the programme prioritizes a supportive environment that emphasizes learning and enjoyment over intense pressure. Each series consists of 15 episodes, including 10 standard episodes, a two-part quarter-final, a semi-final, and a final. The winner receives a distinctive glass along with equipment, but there is no monetary prize, aligning with the show's focus on skill development rather than financial reward.

Production history

Junior Bake Off was developed by as a children's spin-off from the adult competition and first broadcast on on 31 October 2011. The programme was produced by the same team behind the parent series, with an initial emphasis on engaging young viewers aged 9 to 12 in baking challenges designed to build skills and confidence in a fun, educational format suitable for CBBC's audience. The first four series aired on between 2011 and 2016, with subsequent hiatuses in 2012, 2014, and 2017–2018 attributed to production scheduling and the parent show's channel transition. Following The Great British Bake Off's move from to in 2017, Junior Bake Off shifted to the same broadcaster starting with series 5 in 2019, maintaining a 15-episode structure with refinements to the format for broader appeal. has overseen much of the show's development at , ensuring continuity with the flagship series while adapting for younger contestants. Filming for Junior Bake Off generally occurs over summer months, such as and , to align with holidays and enable airing in the subsequent autumn or winter season. Recent series have maintained the core age range of 9 to 12 (with historical extensions to 9-15 in series 5-7), though casting calls target diverse applicants within this group. The tenth series aired from 6 to 24 2025 on ; an eleventh series is scheduled for 2026, establishing an annual production cycle.

Cast

Presenters

The presenters of Junior Bake Off serve as the energetic hosts who introduce the baking challenges, interview the young contestants about their creations and techniques, offer encouragement during the process, and handle announcements for eliminations and the eventual champion. Their role emphasizes creating a supportive and entertaining environment suited to child participants aged 9 to 12, often incorporating light-hearted commentary to keep the atmosphere fun and accessible. The inaugural series in 2011 was hosted by Aaron Craze, a recognized for his work in children's television programming and cooking demonstrations. Craze, who had previously appeared on shows like Saturday Cookbook, infused the competition with his passion for baking, guiding contestants through their first on-screen challenges with an approachable and enthusiastic demeanor. He returned to host the second series in 2013, maintaining the show's focus on inspiring young cooks while adapting to the evolving format. From the third series in 2015 through the fourth in 2016, presenting duties shifted to the duo and , professionally known as , established personalities from series like Sam & Mark's TMi Friday and Copycats. The pair delivered a playful and dynamic energy that resonated with the , often using humor and interaction to ease tensions during high-pressure bakes. Their tenure helped transition the show toward a more collaborative hosting style before the production moved channels. Starting with the fifth series in 2019 on , , a known for his surreal humor in programs like , took over as the sole main presenter—a position he has held consistently through series 6 in 2021, series 7 in 2022, series 8 in 2023, and into subsequent seasons. Hill's approach features signature comedy sketches, baking-related puns, and whimsical interludes that complement the contestants' creativity without overshadowing their efforts, contributing to the show's renewed popularity in its era. No changes to the presenting lineup have occurred since his debut.

Judges

The judges on Junior Bake Off are chefs and experts who evaluate the young contestants' creations based on technical , flavor, and presentation, providing constructive feedback tailored to the participants' ages. Their role emphasizes encouragement while maintaining high standards, distinguishing the show from its adult counterpart by fostering a supportive environment in the baking tent. Over the series, the judging panel has evolved to include a mix of established culinary figures and alumni from (GBBO), bringing prestige and diverse perspectives to the competition. In the first series of 2011, the judges were and , both iconic figures from the early seasons of GBBO, whose involvement lent immediate credibility and a focus on fundamental techniques to the nascent children's spin-off. For the second series in 2013, returned alongside James Martin, a television chef known for his emphasis on practical skills and classic recipes, shifting the panel slightly toward accessible, hands-on expertise. The third series in 2015 introduced , an international chef and author, paired with Graham Hornigold, an executive , who together prioritized precision in patisserie and innovative flavors suitable for young bakers. Series 4 in 2016 retained while welcoming , the 2015 GBBO winner, whose fresh perspective as a recent champion highlighted creativity and relatable storytelling in baking. The fifth series in 2019 marked a transition to production, with , a and GBBO judge, joining forces with , a GBBO 2017 contestant and baking enthusiast, to underscore imaginative designs alongside solid technique. Starting with series 6 in 2021, , a pastry chef and author, replaced due to scheduling conflicts arising from production delays, continuing alongside ; this duo has been noted for their particularly encouraging and gentle feedback style, adapted to build confidence in child contestants. Throughout the series, judging criteria center on taste, appearance, and creativity, with evaluations considering the bakers' ages and skill levels to promote learning over criticism. Post-2019, under , , and later , critiques have increasingly emphasized positivity and , contrasting earlier series' more straightforward assessments and aligning with the show's family-oriented ethos.

Series

Series 1 (2011)

The first series of Junior Bake Off aired on from 31 October 2011, spanning 13 episodes broadcast daily from Monday to Friday through mid-November. Hosted by Aaron Craze, this inaugural season introduced young viewers to the baking competition format, with contestants tackling themed challenges in , , and categories during the heats. The structure followed the parent show's model, featuring signature bakes to showcase personal recipes, technical challenges to test precision under time constraints, and showstopper bakes for creative flair. Forty bakers aged 9 to 12, hailing from various regions across the , competed in the series. The contestants were divided into heats of four, where they vied to advance through consistent excellence in the three challenges per episode. Early episodes focused on cake week, with tasks like baking Victoria sponges or themed bakes; subsequent heats shifted to biscuits, such as jammy shortbreads, and , including hot cross buns, before culminating in quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand final. The competition emphasized skill development, with judges and providing feedback to highlight strengths and areas for improvement. Freya Watson, a 10-year-old from Chieveley in , emerged as the winner, celebrated for her strong and consistent performances in the technical challenges that demanded accuracy and baking knowledge. In the final, the four remaining contestants—Freya, Kai, Kieran, and —faced intensified rounds, including personalized recipes judged by and Hollywood, leading to Freya's victory as the first Junior Bake Off champion. Among the notable events, guest appearances by alumni from added prestige, such as Michel Roux Jr. providing masterclasses or critiques to inspire the young participants. These elements helped establish the show's engaging tone for future series.

Series 2 (2013)

The second series of Junior Bake Off aired on from 11 November to 29 November 2013, spanning 15 episodes that showcased young bakers tackling themed baking challenges in a setting. Hosted by Aaron Craze, this installment featured 40 contestants aged 9 to 12 from across the , competing in heats structured around creative themes such as racing-inspired cakes and jungle biscuits, before advancing to quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand final. The format retained core elements like signature bakes, technical rounds, and elaborate showstoppers, while introducing pastry-focused tasks in the semi-finals, including scones and fancies prepared under the guidance of professional chefs. Throughout the series, the 40 bakers were divided into groups for the initial heats, with four contestants per episode facing time-pressured challenges that tested precision and creativity; only the strongest advanced, narrowing down to 10 for the quarter-finals. Judges and James Martin offered constructive feedback in their signature style, emphasizing technique and flavor while encouraging the young participants, which helped highlight standout performances like intricate biscuit designs and flavored cake innovations. In the semi-finals, the remaining bakers incorporated elements, such as multi-tiered fancies, to demonstrate professional-level skills in a Harrods-inspired setting. The competition built excitement through escalating difficulty, with educational masterclasses providing tips on advanced techniques like and layering. The grand final on 29 November 2013 saw the four finalists produce savoury and sweet bakes for a Mad Hatter tea party theme, culminating in showstopper sculpted cakes. Eleven-year-old Harry from emerged as the winner, impressing the judges with his detailed Mad Hatter-inspired cake that showcased exceptional sculpting and decoration skills. The series was praised for its wholesome entertainment value and the visible passion of the diverse group of young bakers, drawing comparisons to the adult version while maintaining a tone.

Series 3 (2015)

The third series of Junior Bake Off aired on from 2 November to 23 November 2015, spanning 12 episodes that followed the standard format of heats, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final. The competition featured 40 young bakers aged 9 to 12, selected from over 2,000 entrants, who competed in signature bakes, technical challenges, and showstoppers across themed weeks focused on categories like cakes, biscuits, breads, desserts, and pastries. Hosted by and , the series marked a shift in presentation style with their energetic duo replacing previous host Aaron Craze, contributing to elevated production values through more dynamic tent interactions and CBBC-specific segments. Judges and Graham Hornigold oversaw the challenges, emphasizing creativity and technique in a supportive environment tailored for junior contestants. The series introduced more varied showstopper prompts to showcase personal innovation, such as bakes inspired by music and culture, allowing participants to highlight unique flavors and designs. The winner was 11-year-old Amari Koryang from Birmingham, who stood out for her rock 'n' roll-themed tiered cake in the final, earning praise for its bold presentation and taste. Runner-ups included Alyth from and others who advanced through intense eliminations. Notable events included the debut judging panel of McEvedy and Hornigold, bringing fresh expertise following changes from prior series, and the final episode drawing significant viewership as the highest-rated in the run, underscoring the show's growing appeal on . Reception highlighted the series' inclusivity, with diverse young contestants from across the fostering a positive, educational atmosphere, though some critics noted pacing challenges in the multi-day heat structure that occasionally rushed eliminations. Overall, it built momentum for the franchise by balancing competition with encouragement, attracting families to the baking format.

Series 4 (2016)

The fourth series of Junior Bake Off aired on from 7 November to 25 November 2016, spanning 10 episodes broadcast on weekdays. This season featured 40 young bakers aged 9 to 12 competing across heats, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final to determine the champion, with four contestants per heat advancing based on their performances in signature bakes, technical challenges, and showstoppers. The format maintained its established structure of testing creativity, precision, and flavor in age-appropriate tasks, while introducing elevated difficulty, including a dedicated challenge in the semi-finals where participants crafted plaited loaves and undertook blindfolded taste tests. Hosted by and , the series was judged by returning chef alongside , the 2015 winner of , who brought fresh perspectives to the panel. Challenges emphasized thematic elements, such as international flavors in early heats and food illusions in quarter-finals, allowing contestants to showcase innovative techniques like enriched dough showstoppers. The judging focused on technical execution and originality, with Hussain and McEvedy providing constructive feedback to highlight the bakers' growth. In the finale on 25 November, the three remaining contestants—Nikki, Oli, and Elodie—faced intensified challenges, including a British-themed technical and a multi-element showstopper. Twelve-year-old Nikki from emerged as the winner, recognized for her exceptional technical precision and consistent excellence across the competition. This series marked the conclusion of Junior Bake Off's initial run, underscoring its appeal to young audiences through engaging, educational baking content.

Series 5 (2019)

The fifth series of Junior Bake Off marked the programme's debut on , airing daily from 4 November to 22 November 2019 across 15 episodes. This transition from allowed for an expanded format, introducing quarter-finals as part of a week-long stage after initial heats. The series featured 20 young bakers aged 9 to 15, divided into two groups of 10 for the opening heats, where five from each advanced to the finals. Comedian hosted the series for the first time, bringing his signature humour to the tent, while returned as a alongside newcomer , a former Great British Bake Off contestant known for his approachable style. The challenges followed the established format of signature bakes, technical challenges, and elaborate showstoppers, adapted for the junior contestants' creativity and skill level. In the extended finals week, the remaining 10 bakers competed through quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand final, culminating on 22 November. Finley Woodward, a 13-year-old from , was crowned the winner after impressing with his technical iced buns and a showstopping cake in the final. The series drew strong viewership, benefiting from synergy with the ongoing adult Great British Bake Off on the same channel.

Series 6 (2021)

The sixth series of Junior Bake Off returned to after a two-year hiatus following the fifth series in , airing daily from 11 to 29 2021 across 15 episodes. Hosted by and judged by and new judge —who replaced —the competition featured 16 young bakers aged 9 to 15 divided into two heats of eight, competing in themed challenges such as cake, biscuits, , , and a final party extravaganza. The format retained the core elements of signature bakes, technical challenges, and showstoppers, but was adapted for the ongoing with enhanced safety measures, including filming in a controlled "bubble" environment to minimize health risks for participants and crew. Production took place at the Hotel in , rather than the traditional location, allowing for socially distanced setups in the baking tent and adherence to government guidelines during a national . Contestants underwent testing and isolation protocols prior to filming, with the show emphasizing creativity and fun while prioritizing welfare, as highlighted by producers . This series marked a cautious resumption of in-person filming for children's programming amid the , showcasing the bakers' resilience and skill in a supportive atmosphere. In the final on 29 January, 14-year-old Reece from was crowned the winner after impressing the judges with his inventive creations, including a standout honeybee-themed showstopper cake that demonstrated precision and flair. Other finalists included Robbie, , and Cece, all of whom were commended for their technical prowess and originality throughout the competition. The series was well-received for its uplifting tone and successful navigation of challenges, inspiring a new generation of bakers while maintaining high production standards.

Series 7 (2022)

The seventh series of Junior Bake Off aired on from 10 January to 28 January 2022, comprising 15 episodes broadcast on weekday evenings at 5:00 p.m., marking a return to pre-pandemic production norms after the restrictions of the previous series. This allowed for expanded in-tent interactions and more elaborate challenges without measures, building on the adaptations from series 6 while emphasizing the show's family-oriented appeal. The competition featured 16 contestants aged 9 to 15, selected from thousands of applicants across the , with a notable increase in diversity reflecting varied regional and cultural backgrounds among the young bakers. Hosted by alongside judges and , the series maintained the core format of , Technical, and Showstopper challenges, but with themes centered on classic baking categories such as Cake Week, Week, Week, and Week, progressing to and Patisserie in the finals. Hill's comedic interludes, including humorous skits and puns tied to the baking themes, were a prominent feature, enhancing the lighthearted atmosphere for young participants and viewers. In the grand final on 28 , the four remaining bakers—Kezia, Gabriel, Lola, and Fraser—faced a Signature challenge of sandwiches and jars, followed by a Technical round and a Showstopper funfair cake. Kezia, a 13-year-old from who had advanced from Heat 1, was declared the winner for her consistent performance, particularly her creative and technically sound bakes throughout the series. The series contributed to the show's growing popularity, with supplementary online content on Channel 4's platforms extending engagement beyond broadcasts.

Series 8 (2023)

The eighth series of Junior Bake Off premiered on Channel 4 on 16 January 2023 and concluded on 3 February 2023, airing 15 episodes each weekday evening at 5:00 pm. The format followed the established structure of heats divided into themed baking days, including Cake, Biscuit, Bread, Dessert, and Pastry, where contestants tackled a Signature Bake, Technical Challenge, and Showstopper in each episode. This series introduced a subtle format evolution by limiting participation to 16 bakers aged 9 to 12, narrowing the age range from previous seasons that extended to 15-year-olds to create a more balanced competition for younger participants. Hosted by , with judging by and , the contestants hailed from across the and showcased skills in creative baking under time pressure. Highlights included inventive Technical Challenges, such as sponge-baking with jam-making, and Showstoppers themed around personal inspirations like family or hobbies. Amelia, a 12-year-old from , emerged as the winner in the grand final, standing out for her consistent performance across the heats and her ability to deliver polished, flavorful bakes that impressed the judges. In the finale, the remaining four bakers prepared 24 mini desserts for a glitzy event and a red-carpet Showstopper cake, with Amelia's creation earning top praise for its execution and creativity. The series garnered strong engagement with young audiences, achieving a 12.3% share among 10- to 14-year-olds—an increase of 79% over prior years—reflecting its success in inspiring children to bake. Thousands of applications were received, underscoring the show's growing popularity as a platform for emerging young talent.

Series 9 (2024)

The ninth series of Junior Bake Off aired on from 2 January to 19 January 2024, consisting of 15 episodes broadcast weekdays at 5:00 PM. The series followed the established format of heats featuring young bakers aged 9 to 12 competing in themed challenges across categories such as Cake Week, Biscuit Week, Bread Week, and Pastry Week, with each heat narrowing down contestants through , Technical, and Showstopper bakes. Hosted by for the fifth consecutive series, with judges and returning to evaluate the bakers' creativity and technique, the competition drew from thousands of applicants to select 16 participants who competed in four heats before advancing to Finals Week. The heats introduced playful and educational twists to the challenges, such as transforming 3D cakes into 2D comic-inspired designs during the Technical on Cake Week, or creating "invisible filling pies" on Pastry Week to test precision and . Week featured a "hot cross bunny" Technical, while Showstoppers often tied into personal inspirations, like bakes honoring figures such as Sir . These elements highlighted the contestants' ability to adapt recipes to unique themes, fostering both skill development and fun in the iconic Bake Off tent. In Finals Week, the remaining bakers faced a regal coronation-themed finale, including Ravneet Gill's Charlotte Royale Technical and elaborate Showstopper cakes. Twelve-year-old Tilly from emerged as the winner, celebrated for her gluten-free bakes as a coeliac, marking a significant moment for inclusive representation on the show. Her victory underscored the series' emphasis on diverse talents among the young competitors.

Series 10 (2025)

The tenth series of Junior Bake Off aired from 6 January to 24 January 2025, comprising 15 episodes broadcast on Channel 4. This edition featured 16 contestants aged 9 to 12 from diverse regions across the , including urban centers like and , as well as rural areas in and , highlighting the show's commitment to nationwide representation. Hosted by with judges and , the format followed the standard structure of heats, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a , where contestants tackled signature bakes, technical challenges, and showstoppers centered on themes like cakes, biscuits, and breads. A standout feature was the party food theme in the final. This culminated in strong viewership among families, underscoring its enduring popularity. Austin, an 11-year-old from Emmer Green in Reading, was crowned the winner in the finale on 24 January. His victory stemmed from consistently balanced performances, excelling in precision during technical rounds—like a faultless challenge—and creativity in showstoppers, such as a multi-tiered fusion of British and Asian elements that impressed the judges with its flavor harmony and structural integrity. As the , Austin received the Junior Bake Off and a collection of baking equipment, recognizing his poise under pressure throughout the competition. The series received widespread acclaim for enhancing inclusivity, with contestants from varied ethnic backgrounds and abilities, including several with neurodiverse traits who shared their stories on air, fostering a supportive environment. Critics and viewers alike noted the age range as maintaining the youthful energy. Post-win, Austin participated in media interviews discussing his experience and inspiring other children to .

International versions

Junior Bake Off Brasil

Junior Bake Off Brasil is the Brazilian adaptation of the children's baking competition, featuring young contestants aged 8 to 13 competing to become the country's best junior baker. The series premiered on , 2018, on SBT, the local broadcaster, and is produced in association with the adult version, Bake Off Brasil: Mão na Massa, incorporating similar production elements while adapting challenges to highlight Brazilian culinary influences. It airs in a tent-style set reminiscent of the original format, with episodes focusing on mini confectioners tackling creative and technical baking tasks. The format mirrors the international structure, consisting of heats where contestants face three challenges per episode: a signature bake to showcase personal style, a technical challenge requiring precision without recipes, and a showstopper to demonstrate elaborate skills, often incorporating local flavors like brigadeiros or in later seasons to celebrate Brazilian culture. Produced locally by Centro de Televisão da Anhanguera for SBT, the show emphasizes fun and learning, with eliminated bakers occasionally returning in repêchage rounds. Three seasons aired between 2018 and 2020, each running for approximately 10 episodes on Saturday evenings. The first season, hosted by Carol Fiorentino and judged by pastry chef Beca Milano and Fabrizio Fasano Jr., featured 16 contestants and culminated in Arthur from as the winner after excelling in the final technical and showstopper rounds. For the second season in 2019, Nadja Haddad took over as host, joined by judges Beca Milano and Olivier Anquier, with 12 young bakers competing; seven-year-old Gigi emerged victorious, noted for her innovative decorations despite her young age. The third season in 2020 retained Haddad, Milano, and Anquier, introducing more challenging proofs and cultural elements like brigadeiro-inspired bakes, ending with David Caldeira as champion among five finalists. Deemed a success by SBT after its initial two seasons, the series drew strong family viewership in , contributing to the network's programming appeal through engaging, educational content that resonated with audiences across . No further seasons have been announced as of 2025.

Other adaptations

In , Junior Bake Off Italia premiered in 2015 as a spin-off of the adult Bake Off Italia - Dolci in Forno, featuring young contestants aged 7 to 12 competing in challenges tailored to highlight Italian culinary traditions, such as pastries and desserts. The program aired on Real Time from 2015 to 2020, hosted by Benedetta Parodi in early seasons (2015-2017), followed by Katia Follesa (2017-2019), and Flavio Montrucchio with Alessia Mancini in the final season (2020), with judging duties by pastry chefs such as Ernst Knam and in later seasons, adapting the format to emphasize family-oriented and regional sweets like and . Belgium's Heel Vlaanderen Bakt Kids, launched in 2021 on Play4 (SBS ), targets young bakers aged 8 to 12 in a six-week judged by pastry experts Regula Ysewijn and Dominique Persoone, hosted by comedian Jeroom Snelders. The show incorporates a Dutch-language format with occasional bilingual elements to reflect Belgium's linguistic diversity, focusing on challenges using local ingredients like spices and to foster regional baking heritage. Now in its fifth season as of 2025, it maintains the tent-style setup and technical bakes of the original while promoting accessible youth education in patisserie. Beyond direct adaptations, similar programs have emerged internationally without official licensing from the UK Junior Bake Off. In the United States, Food Network's (2015–present) features children aged 9 to 13 in creative baking contests hosted by and , but it draws from American competition styles rather than the precise Bake Off structure. Australia's Junior MasterChef (2012, revived 2020) includes baking elements for kids aged 8 to 12, yet it aligns more closely with the broader format emphasizing overall cooking skills over dedicated baking. No official junior adaptations exist in or to date, though the latter airs the UK version on CBC Gem. These international versions share core traits with the original, adapting the signature three-round format—signature bake, technical challenge, and showstopper—to local cultures and ingredients, while targeting ages typically between 8 and 15 to encourage creativity and skill-building among young participants. The global spread of such formats, inspired by the success of adult Bake Off editions in over a dozen countries, has amplified youth baking education worldwide by making competitive patisserie a fun, inclusive activity.

References

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