What to watch
The Great British Bake Off CHANNEL 4, 8.00PM
Bake Off is back, if you hadn’t already heard. Anticipation for the new series, since its switch from the BBC to Channel 4 and the announcement of a new presenting line-up, has been hotter than molten caramel. Those concerned that the magic would disappear when Channel 4 promised to add a new comic riff can rest assured that the show is still as delicious as we’ve come to expect.
New hosts Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding riff off each other with ease and arrive in a rainbow-striped hot air balloon to welcome a new batch of bakers to the tent. They include Kate, a 29-year-old Scouse blacksmith, and allotmentloving banker James from Essex. It won’t be long, however, before you develop a soft spot for 71-year-old karaoke queen Flo, who met her husband while working in a sausage factory. Look out for her showstopper in this first episode – it’s an eyepopping delight. Paul Hollywood’s new co-judge Prue Leith, meanwhile, is calm and collected, but has some devilish challenges up her sleeves, starting with her first technical – mini rolls. “I’ve never made a mini roll in my life,” says Kate. “I mean, why would ya?” Quite, but it’s tremendous fun watching them try. Rachel Ward