It’s only been a few days since Sophie Faldo went home with the trophy in the Christmas episode, but The Great British Bake Off fans are already gearing up to watch another installment. In the usual summer series, Matty was crowned the champion, with the 28-year-old managing to beat his fellow finalists Dan and Josh. But what is in store for viewers for The Great British Bake Off New Year special for 2024 – surely they filmed as much chaos that fans love to see!
The Great British Bake Off is filmed in advance – and the New Year 2024 special is no different
No matter the weather, Bake Off is the perfect show for any season. When we have rays of sunshine in the summer we love the sweet treats, mastered cakes and even ice cream drama in the famous big white tent.
Then, when it turns colder and we opt for scarves and jumpers, the specials provide us with the cosy and festive charm we’ve grown to expect and love.
Channel 4 films the show months in advance, and we can take the normal The Great British Bake Off series as a hint when we look at the New Year 2024 special.
The TV show returned to screens in September for normal viewing, but is typically filmed between April and June. That’s four months from Paul Hollywood and Prue knowing the champion to us finding out on our sofa.
May your 2024 be filled with cake ❤️ #GBBO
— British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) December 31, 2023
During the application process, potential candidates are asked to clear schedules for 21 days between those spring and summer months to take part. The filming days are also exceptionally long – taking part is no piece of cake! Guests can expect to be filming in the big tent for up to 16 hours in one session, especially to get those crafted masterpieces ready for the judges.
Previous year’s special gave a ‘tell-tale sign’
Previously, in 2018, Bake Off’s Christmas special left fans feeling skeptical about the set. We now see why.
The judges, like Prue Leith and Paul, wrapped up in Christmas jumpers, scarves and wooly coats. Although, it was what was behind the scene that drew the eye. Fans could see the lush green grass, trees and shubbery with lots of leaves. Autumn hadn’t hit yet, which tends to see them turn shades of yellow, orange and red before falling for winter. Therefore, eagle-eyed viewers deduced it was likely filmed in the summer, shortly after the usual series.
Although the tent is decorated with Christmas trees, baubles, garlands and adorable bunting, it’s all for show. But it’s a good show at that! It seems Noel Fielding‘s hair was also a clue…
Love how it’s clearly summer outside the tent (sunshine/foliage on trees) but inside it’s like an explosion in Santa’s pants #GBBO
— Sam Baguley (@sambaguleyart) December 25, 2018
Judging by the weather on show, the leaves on trees and Noel Fielding’s hair, this Bake Off Christmas Special was filmed last April.
— Leigh M O'Gorman (@LeighOGorman) December 25, 2018
You can tell it was filmed in the summer, there’s too much green outside. Which means they’re boiling in those jumpers. #GBBO
— MR POTATO FACE (@N15H4T) December 25, 2018
When is the Great New Year Bake Off in 2024?
The Great New Year Bake Off – the official name – is back on our screens on Monday, January 1, at 7.40pm.
Fans can tune in on Channel 4 to watch the festivities turn into chaos with some fan-favourites.
Cure that New Year’s Eve hangover with a spot of cake and biscuits.
Welcome to 2024! Depending on how you’re feeling, we either have a belated hangover cure or the bakiest way to start your new year lined up for later. Quite possibly both. To reap the rewards, join us at 7.40pm on @Channel4 to enjoy some Bake Off legends back in action! #GBBO
— British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) January 1, 2024
Last year, they brought back previous cast to take part. We saw Lottie Bedlow (season 11), and Chigs Parmar (season 12), Antony Amourdoux and Manon Lagrev (season 9) feel the heat in the kitchen.
Despite the hard work from all guests, it was Manon who wont he top prize. She won The Great British Bake Off’s New Year special – but who will be filmed the champion in 2024? We’ll just have to wait and see…
WATCH THE GREAT NEW YEAR’S BAKE OFF 2024 ON CHANNEL 4
MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 7.40PM OR THROUGH ON DEMAND
