In a major shake-up for the beloved baking competition, The Great British Bake Off has confirmed it will introduce an audience choice week for its upcoming series on Channel 4. This innovative move will allow viewers to directly shape the challenges faced by the bakers in the iconic tent.
How the Fan-Powered Week Will Work
The groundbreaking format gives the British public a unique opportunity to influence the show. Fans are being invited to submit their own ideas for the technical and showstopper challenges that will test the 2026 cohort of amateur bakers. All submitted bakes will then be prepared by the contestants and judged in the usual way by the show's legendary experts, Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith.
Those wishing to put forward their creative baking concepts must do so through a dedicated portal on the Channel 4 website. The broadcaster has set a firm deadline for submissions of 18 January. Ideas should be submitted via channel4.com/takepart.
Judges Welcome the Change
Both of the show's stalwart judges have expressed their enthusiasm for this new interactive element. Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith stated they are thrilled to be "sharing the reins" with the audience for this special episode. They highlighted their excitement at the prospect of seeing the nation's inventive baking ideas come to life under the pressure of the tent's famous clock.
A New Chapter for Channel 4's Flagship Show
This announcement marks one of the most significant interactive changes to the Bake Off format since it moved to Channel 4. It represents a clear effort to deepen viewer engagement and bring a fresh, democratic twist to the competition's structure. By sourcing challenges directly from its dedicated fanbase, the show is ensuring its challenges remain relevant, inventive, and closely tied to the home baking trends popular across the UK.
The new series, featuring this audience choice week, is scheduled to air later in 2026. Fans now have a direct line to influence one of the most-watched episodes of the year, making their mark on a truly Great British institution.
