Grab your aprons and mixers because the next season of The Great Australian Bake Off is officially upon us!
Get ready to see many wholesome moments and delicious treats.
Scroll on for all the details.
When does The Great Australian Bake Off 2025 start?
Buckle up, because the show is returning to Foxtel and BINGE on July 29, at 7.30pm.
Who is baking in The Great Australian Bake Off 2025?
Foxtel has revealed that 12 amateur bakers from across Australia will be competing in this season of The Great Australian Bake Off.
Meet them all below.
Anirban Chanda
38, Senior Knowledge Manager
“Every whisk is a new story.”
With roots in Bengal, India’s ‘capital of desserts’, Anirban has always been a fan of desserts.
As a self-taught baker, he has a passion for pâtisserie, especially delicately layered entremets.
His fondest food memories include travelling with his partner, where they try a variety of cuisines.
Wesley Mitton
37, Digital E-commerce Director
“Food tastes better if it’s made with love.”
Wesley lives with his husband and is a part-time carer for his mother-in-law.
His love of baking started as a child, where he would spend many afternoons learning from his grandmother.
Having grown up in the country, his baking style is inspired by the CWA.
He also loves to bake while he listens to rock ‘n’ roll.
Jess Synon
31, Business Analyst
“Progress over perfection.”
Jess calls Melbourne home with her husband and their one-year-old daughter, Hazel.
“Obsessed” with perfecting her pastry skills, she works on her techniques until she masters them.
With an Australian father and a Dutch and Maltese mother, Jess takes inspiration from her heritage in the kitchen.
Aside from baking, she is also a power lifter.
Beth Hoy
37, Pastor
“Baking is my love language.”
Growing up, Beth adored baking with her Nan and continues to share her love for it with her three young children.
As a pastor, she loves baking goods for her church community.
Not only that, she’s also a proud gardener!
Kelarnie Whalen
22, Recruitment Consultant
“Baking shows your love.”
Originally from Canberra, Kelarnie now lives in Brisbane with her four best friends.
Her earliest baking memories include baking muffins with her mum as a child, and in her family, she is in charge of the sweets.
When it comes to her baking, she’s not afraid to push the boundaries with flavours and also loves getting tips from social media.
Brian Rooney
51, Stay at home dad
“Always aim for perfection.”
While Brian grew up in Cronulla, he now lives on the Central Coast with his wife and teenage daughter.
A lover of flavours and textures, he is a fan of crafting intricate desserts.
His passion for baking and pâtisserie was sparked in the 90s.
Erik Newcomb
43, E-Commerce Director
“Create a memorable experience.”
Erik has called Australia home for 10 years, after moving from Michigan, and lives happily in Manly with his dog, Duke.
His Polish grandmother inspired his passion for baking, where they made spectacular decorations with lots of piping, chocolate and sculptural details.
Ready to enter the tent, he’s keen to embrace any challenge.
Gregson Gastar
44, Hairdresser
“Baking means inclusion.”
Gregson has been baking since he was nine years old, and often bakes five times a week!
Born in the Philippines, he loves to include his heritage in his bakes, especially his Pandan chiffon cake.
Along with baking, Gregson gets creative by styling hair, photography, dancing and creating new recipes.
Tatiana Markovic
55, Nurse
“Good things come to those who bake.”
Born in Serbia, Tatiana moved to Australia when she was four.
Her love of baking is based around community and connection, and she loves sharing her dishes with other nurses.
The ambitious baker has been married for 34 years, and lives with her husband and dog, Oreo, on the NSW South Coast.
Vanessa Furci
34, Oncology Nurse
“You never have the same bake twice.”
Vanessa’s earliest memories of baking were with her late Nonna, with whom she was very close.
As an Italian, her life revolves around food and connecting with others.
When it comes to baking, Vanessa loves a challenge, particularly enjoying the craft of making intricate decorations.
Jai Johns
28, Barista
“Every mistake gets me closer to the perfect bake.”
Jai lives with their fiancée in Melbourne, and their love of baking began during lockdown.
As a passionate vegan, Jai loves the challenge of including adventure and flavour in their bakes.
When it comes to inspiration, they love drawing on French techniques, with Asian and Middle Eastern flavours.
Aysha Moulton
32, Production Coordinator
“Give it a crack!”
Aysha was born in the Solomon Islands and now lives in Brisbane with her husband and two boys.
Many of her recipes draw on her memories of the Solomon Islands and have been passed down through her family. Her grandmother was also a baking mentor for her.
Her speciality?
Decorated cakes with flair!
Who is hosting The Great Australian Bake Off 2025?
Comedian Tom Walker is joining Natalie Tran for hosting duties this year. Already known for his wit and hilarity on Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee, he is sure to bring the laughs.
“I truly loved being a part of The Great Australian Bake Off,” he said when the news was announced about his new gig.
“The whole crew is so warm, funny, welcoming, and kind, and the bakers are so talented, it blows my mind. To the little boy who grew up thinking he’d never see a biscuit city – you were wrong. I’m thrilled to be part of the Bake Off Family.”
He is replacing Cal Wilson, who sadly passed away in October 2023. She co-hosted seasons six and seven of the beloved baking competition.
Who are the judges of The Great Australian Bake Off 2025?
Esteemed Le Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef and host Rachel Khoo is returning to the show alongside pastry chef Darren Purchese.
“This new season is next-level – the bakers have truly raised the bar. From the very first challenge, you’ll see bold flavours, incredible technique, and a real sense of heart,” Darren said.
“I’m so excited for Season 8 of Bake Off – it’s bursting with warmth, joy and delicious surprises. In today’s fast-paced world, it offers the perfect slice of feel-good escapism,” Rachel added. “I can’t wait for viewers to step into the shed and experience the magic we’ve created.”
They joined the show in 2024 and took over from beloved chefs Matt Moran and Maggie Beer.
Can I apply for The Great Australian Bake Off?
If you’re sad that you missed the boat to be a part of the 2025 series, unfortunately, applications have also closed for the 2026 season.
In the future, if you want to apply, you need to be aged 16 or above, be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident with the right to work in Australia, and be an amateur baker. Specifically, you must not have obtained a professional cooking or catering qualification over the last 10 years.
Where can I stream The Great Australian Bake Off?
You can watch the first seven seasons of The Great Australian Bake Off on Foxtel or BINGE.
