The fourteenth series of The Great British Bake Off began on 26 September 2023. In December 2022, Matt Lucas announced his departure from the show after three series as presenter. In March 2023, Alison Hammond was announced as his replacement and joined Noel Fielding as co-host. Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith returned to judge the series. The bakers competing in the series were announced on 18 September 2023.
Bakers
Results summary
Tasha was ill and unable to compete during the technical and showstopper in episode 4. As a result, the judges decided that it was unfair to eliminate anyone in her absence.
Colour key:
Episodes
Episode 1: Cake
The first episode is Cake Week. For the first signature challenge, the bakers were required to bake a Vertical Layer Cake made of sponge and icing. For the technical challenge, set by Paul, the bakers were tasked with making "The Great British Bake Off Cake" in 2 hours, two layers of moist chocolate sponge covered with chocolate ganache and raspberries. A 3D cake replica of an animal of the bakers choosing was set as the showstopper; the bakers were given 4 hours, the judges expecting the bake to be majority sponge.
Episode 2: Biscuits
The second episode is Biscuit Week. The signature bake was 12 Marshmallow biscuits of whatever form. In the technical challenge, set by Prue, the bakers had 1 hour and 30 minutes to bake 12 Custard cream biscuits. The showstopper challenge was 4 hours to bake an Illusion Biscuit display which represented the bakers favourite meal.
Episode 3: Bread
The bakers were tasked with making their own cottage loaf in two hours for the signature challenge. For the technical challenge, set by Paul, the task was baking 8 Devonshire Splits. Buns which are split in half and are filled with jam, clotted cream and strawberries. In the showstopper, the bakers were asked to make a sweet or savoury Plaited Centrepiece Loaf that featured two different types of flour.
Episode 4: Chocolate
A "luxurious" chocolate torte was set as the signature challenge. The technical challenge, set by Prue, was 6 individual-sized white chocolate and blackberry cheesecake's. An "Edible Chocolate Box Cake" was set as the bakers showstopper, an edible chocolate box with a chocolate cake inside.
Tasha returned home after falling ill during the technical challenge and did not participate in the showstopper. As a result, the judges decided not to eliminate anyone, and the following episode would include a double elimination.
Episode 5: Pastry
Episode 6: Botanical
Episode 7: Dessert
Ratings
The first episode of the 14th series has an overnight viewing figure of 4.3 million, a slight fall from the 4.4 million of 2022.