The Great British Bake Off is set to make history by featuring its first deaf contestant in the upcoming 2024 series. Judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, along with hosts Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, are learning British Sign Language to ensure the contestant feels included.
Filming for the new series began last month, and producers are determined to create an inclusive environment. A source revealed that the cast and crew are working hard to make the contestant feel welcome, with a sign language teacher on set to help everyone learn basic communication skills.
However, Dame Prue Leith admitted she is struggling with sign language, saying, 'I’m not very good at sign language, but Paul is.' The 83-year-old cookery writer acknowledged the challenge, while Paul Hollywood reportedly shows more aptitude.
Natasha Robinson from the Royal National Institute for Deaf People praised the move, stating, 'It is wonderful to learn there is a deaf contestant and the judges and contestants have been learning British Sign Language. Moments of representation like this are so important.'
This is not the first time the Bake Off franchise has included a deaf participant; the professional version featured deaf pastry chef Sam Widnall in 2019. The Great British Bake Off will return to Channel 4 later this year.
