5 SECRETS OF THE TENT!

We reveal what goes on behind the scenes…

1 the tent Is In berkshire

Even after the show moved to its new home on C4 last year, the iconic white tent has remained in the same location – the estate of Welford Park in Newbury,

Berkshire.

2 no dishwashers!

‘They make too much noise,’ explains executive producer Kieran Smith. ‘So there’s a legion of people round the back with Marigolds on. They only get annoyed when the bakers use lots of treacle or caramel!’

3 a crew Member Is the Illustrator!

The illustrator, Tom Hovey, started out as a technical runner on the show. ‘We didn’t have a big budget for series one,’ says Kieran. ‘So he threw his hat into the ring to draw the bakes and has done it ever since!’

4 bakers Must plan ahead

Even if they’re sent home in Week One, the bakers have to plan what they’d bake weeks in advance. ‘We like to give them lots of time to practise,’ says Kieran. ‘And we need the ingredients in case someone says, “Scrap that, I’m starting again!”.’

5 ALL ovens are tested

The ovens are brand-new and calibrated by the manufacturer to ensure temperature accuracy. Just to be safe, the team bakes a Victoria sponge in each oven before every episode to check they are working.