In a major shake-up for the beloved baking competition, The Great British Bake Off is inviting its legion of fans to directly influence the show's content for the first time ever. The programme will introduce an Audience Choice Week during its forthcoming seventeenth series, scheduled for 2026.
How to Submit Your Bake Off Idea
Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith have officially opened submissions, calling on viewers to pitch their concepts for signature bakes, technical challenges, and showstopper creations. The production team will select a winning suggestion to feature in the tent. All ideas must be submitted online by 1pm on Sunday 18 January 2026. It is important to note that applications to compete as a baker on the show are now closed.
Announcing the innovative format change, Paul Hollywood expressed his enthusiasm. "For the first time ever, Prue and I are going to be sharing the reins for this Audience Choice week," he said. "We want to give our brilliant viewers the chance to help shape the show, and see their ideas come to life in the tent. I’m really looking forward to seeing what great ideas come through."
Prue Leith echoed the sentiment, stating she was "really looking forward to Bake Off’s very first Audience Choice week," which gives fans "the opportunity to have their say about what bakes they’d like to see in the tent next year."
A History of Evolving Themes
While the show always maintains core weeks dedicated to Cake, Biscuit, Bread, Pastry, and Dessert, it has a history of introducing popular new themes. Past additions have included Chocolate Week, Botanicals Week with its floral flavours, and nostalgic Back to School Week. The Audience Choice Week represents the next step in this evolution, directly leveraging viewer creativity.
Following a Celebrity Christmas Special
The announcement follows last month's successful Bake Off Christmas Special, which saw a reunion of the cast of Channel 4's cult sitcom Peep Show. Competing against co-stars including David Mitchell and Matt King, Oscar-winner Olivia Colman emerged victorious, winning the coveted cake stand. Robert Webb, though absent, sent in a video message for the episode.
The Great British Bake Off will return to Channel 4 later this year, with an exact broadcast date for the new series still to be confirmed.
