Which season of “The Great British Baking Show” deserves Star Baker — and which lands in the soggy bottom? The competition is in-tents!

Every season of The Great British Baking Show, ranked

Which season of "The Great British Baking Show" deserves Star Baker — and which lands in the soggy bottom? The competition is in-tents!

By Huntley Woods

April 30, 2026 11:00 a.m. ET

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'GBBS' icons: Noel Fielding, Nadiya Hussain, and Prue Leith. Credit:

It’s judgment time in the tent.

Most reality competitions feature dramatic studio lighting, shiny floors, and an intensity level dialed up to high. *The Great British Baking Show *(*The Great British Bake Off* in the U.K.) puts all that on the back burner in favor of friendly challenges between amateur bakers. It’s the ultimate cozy comfort watch.

The show can be broken into two distinct eras: the original seven seasons, which aired on BBC with judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry; and the current batch starting with season 8, when the show made the jump to Channel 4. The channel change stirred up controversy when Mary was replaced by Prue Leith, who recently stepped down after nine seasons to make way for Nigella Lawson.

The shake-up also saw the exit of hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins and the addition of Noel Fielding, along with an assortment of cohosts over the years. While none of the seasons are technically *bad*, some of them are a bit underproofed.

With 16 seasons to choose from, which, as Prue would say, are “worth the calories”? Grab a cuppa as we explore notable bakes and mistakes from inside the tent. Here's every season of *The Great British Baking Show, *ranked.

Season 1 (2010)

Mel Giedroyc, Paul Hollywood, Mary Berry, and Sue Perkins in 'GBBS' season 1.

The first season had all the ingredients for a hit, but clearly needed more time in the oven. It’s the shortest of the franchise and its format is a far cry from the structure to which we’re now accustomed.

Part competition, part educational documentary, a good portion of each episode is devoted to a “history of baking”-style edu-tainment segment. The iconic white tent, normally anchored in an idyllic English garden, moved towns each episode to coincide with themed bakes. Mel and Sue, meanwhile, would travel to historical locations to discuss odd topics, such as the origins of the term Humble Pie.

This season introduced British staples like the Victoria sandwich, steamed puddings, and Cornish pasties — which we learn used to be stored by miners in their trousers or bras. Bit odd innit?

**Top 3: **Edd Kimber (Winner), Ruth Clemens, Miranda Gore Browne

Season 2 (2011)

Rob Billington makes a pie in season 2.

The sophomore season is still a bit underbaked, but vastly improves upon the first. We see the addition of naming a “Star Baker” with each week’s judgment. The historical side quests are still present, with the hosts visiting 17th-century kitchens and using tools of the time to recreate recipes of that era. Also, if you ever wanted to see a live demonstration showing how a flour mill can explode, look no further.

Surprisingly, Paul offers help and advice to the bakers during some walkthroughs instead of just staring with those icy blue eyes. Both this season and bakers like Jo struggle to find their confidence this season, but it remains thoroughly charming.

**Top 3:** Joanne Wheatley (Winner), Holly Bell, Mary-Anne Boermans

Season 13 (2022)

Matt Lucas and eventual winner Syabira Yusoff in season 13.

This season received heavy criticism for “Mexican Week.” While past seasons have included international weeks such as Japanese, Italian, and German, the choice to have the hosts crack cringeworthy jokes in ponchos and sombreros rubbed many viewers the wrong way.

It's not fair to judge a season by one episode, of course, but the incident also served to highlight how poor a fit *Little Britain* comedian Matt Lucas was as a host.

The crop of bakers, however, shouldn’t be overlooked. Sandro was quite the scene stealer, flexing not only his arms but his suave baking skills. Janusz came dressed as Noel for the first-ever Halloween Week, and Syabira earned the title “Queen of Flavors” by making bold bakes infused with Malaysian twists.

**Top 3:** Syabira Yusoff (Winner), Abdul Rehman Sharif, Sandro Farmhouse

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Season 11 (2020)

Sura Selvarajah prepares dough in season 11.

Shot during the pandemic, this season was the first to have the bakers sequestered during filming. This production “bubble” created a noticeably tighter emotional bond among the ever-friendly bakers. Speaking of Bubbles, this was the season Lucas joined the cast as cohost, replacing Sandi Toksvig.

Hermine was a clear fan favorite who stumbled just before the finish line at the semifinals. Peter quickly rose to the occasion, becoming the youngest winner in the show’s history at age 20.

**Top 3:** Peter Sawkins (Winner), Laura Adlington, Dave Friday

Season 16 (2025)

Paul, Prue, Noel, and Alison put an elaborate cake under the microscope in season 16.

This cheeky round-up introduced us to a fresh batch of fast friends. Nataliia brought a taste of home with her Ukrainian-inspired bakes. Toby and Aaron had some endearing highs and lows, even if some bakes were a bit rough and ready. Tom tipped the scales with massive centerpieces, like his chocolate beehive and a 4-foot-long cake.

Jasmine was the season’s steadfast juggernaut. She was one of just two contestants to win Star Baker five times, but the only one to also take the cake for the win.

**Top 3:** Jasmine** **Mitchell (Winner), Aaron Mountford-Myles, Tom Arden

Season 10 (2019)

Paul, Prue, and Noel in Cake Week of season 10.

The show’s 10th anniversary also marked cohost Sandi’s final time in the tent. Alice’s charming personality and vibrant bakes stole the show and our hearts. Henry was quite literally a uniform baker, earning himself a coveted Hollywood Handshake.

Steph secured a spot in the finale with four Star Baker wins, only to unfortunately collapse along with her souffles right at the finish line. David made history as the show’s first victor to win without ever earning a Star Baker.

**Top 3:** David Atherton (Winner), Steph Blackwell, Alice Fevronia

Season 4 (2013)

Kimberley Wilson in season 4.

Season 4 brought new meaning to the phrase “bloody hell,” with several bakers slicing their fingers in the very first signature.

We also got the tent’s first very controversy with “custardgate” when Deborah accidentally nicked Howard’s custard for her dessert. It ended up being a trifle, really, as — true to British fashion — he was very polite about it.

Despite her young age, Ruby proved herself a serious contender early on by presenting an intricately detailed peacock for Bread Week. Frances succeeded in overcoming her style-over-substance critiques with her edible chessboard (and pieces), earning Star Baker for Biscuit Week.

**Top 3: **Frances Quinn (Winner), Ruby Tandoh, Kimberley Wilson

Season 3 (2012)

Danny Bryden in season 3.

This is when the show really hit its stride and nailed the recipe. Ryan Chong earned the first-ever Hollywood Handshake for his Lardy Cakes in the signature, though it wasn’t enough to save him — he was sent home that same episode in a double elimination.

James brought his quirky, frantic creativity to baking by serving a derelict gingerbread barn in the quarterfinals. In stark opposition was Brendan’s meticulous baking precision and perfectly calm demeanor in the tent. John Whaite proved he was worth his salt, even if he did mistake it for sugar in the rum baba technical.

Talk about “queasy-bake oven,” John literally stopped the show when he sliced his hand open during the strudel showstopper.

**Top 3: **John Whaite (Winner), Brendan Lynch, James Morton

Season 8 (2017)

Noel Fielding and Julia Chernogorova during season 8's Caramel Week.

This season really shook things up — and we're not talking Hollywood Handshakes. Taking over the apron for Mary Berry was Prue Leith and her rotating collection of chunky ’90s screensaver accessories. Mel and Sue also passed the spatula over to cohosts Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig.

Steven started off strong with a stunning sandwich/loaf illusion cake. Liam emerged as a fan favorite (he later returned as a *Junior Bake Off *judge)*. *Yan used her molecular biology skills for scientific bakes.

Things got sticky during Caramel Week when not a single baker produced a satisfactory stroopwafel in the technical. Sophie proved she was not to be trifled with, delivering a strong second half with her trifle terrine that was worthy of a Michelin-starred restaurant.

**Top 3: **Sophie Faldo (Winner), Kate Lyon, Steven Carter-Bailey

Season 12 (2021)

Paul, Prue, Noel, and Matt with a literal bread basket in season 12.

As the world emerged from COVID lockdown, so did a new set of bakers for the ultimate emotional support show.

Though he'd been baking for less than a year, Chigs proved anyone with a love of baking could radically improve right before our eyes. Jürgen, the gentle-mannered German physicist, brought precision to each bake, in stark contrast to Lizzie’s rebellious and chaotic presentations. Lucas, meanwhile, continued to bring an “Uncle Fester energy” to the tent.

Freya was the tent’s first all-vegan baker, but it was the loveable Italian Guiseppe who stole the show with his consistent technical prowess.

**Top 3: **Giuseppe Dell’Anno (Winner), Chigs Parmar, Crystelle Pereira

Season 7 (2016)

Seven season 7 contestants all lined up in a row.

This season brought an abundance of warm and cheery personalities with fan favorites like Val, Jane, and Benjamina. Andrew shifted things into high gear, utilizing his engineering background to craft rotating, cog-shaped pies for Tudor Week. Candice was renowned for her bold choices in both flavors and lipstick colors.

Season 7 brought a bittersweet end to the show’s BBC era, and was the last time in the tent for Perkins, Giedroyc, and Berry.

**Top 3: **Candice Brown (Winner), Jane Beedle, Andrew Smyth

Season 14 (2023)

Nicky Laceby shows off a distinctive, friendly cake in season 14.

Noel received the perfect partner in crime when Alison Hammond joined the company as cohost, bringing a much-*kneaded* rise to the series. Her warm and sunny demeanor represented a shining return to form for the show, which some fans complained had become stale.

It also welcomed Tasha, the first deaf contestant, and a technical recreating the iconic cake from the show’s intro. The cherry on top of a lovely season was Matty, the loveable underdog whose confidence and skills went from half-baked to perfectly proved.

**Top 3:** Matty Edgell (Winner), Dan Hunter, Josh Smalley

Season 15 (2024)

Noel and John during season 15's Cake Week.

Alison and Noel’s jovial antics are always a recipe for success, and this season had them in “Northern portions.” Season 15 had an abundance of ambitious and adored bakers — including the fan-fave Nelly, whose personality exuded warmth like a wool sweater.

The season was not immune to disaster, with Illiyan fainting and Jeff’s early Brexit during Biscuit Week. Dylan’s innovative and complex creations made him a season-long frontrunner. Christiaan was one of the show's more adventurous bakers when it came to risky flavors. Georgie earned repeated praise for her elegant bakes and consistent ability to handle the heat.

**Top 3:** Georgie Grasso (Winner), Christiaan de Vries, Dylan Bachelet

Season 9 (2018)

The judges and presenters have some biscuits (that's what they call cookies in the U.K.) in season 9.

These top-tier bakers delivered one of the most wholesome seasons in show history. Briony brought heart and soul to every bake, but unfortunately fell victim to swapping salt for sugar in the semifinals. Kim-Joy’s incredible creativity constantly crossed between whimsical edible confections and works of art.

Ruby’s cake may have collapsed, but she rose to the occasion as the show’s resilient comeback queen. Rahul overcame many obstacles and moments of self-doubt to win not just the competition, but a new group of supportive friends.

**Top 3: **Rahul Mandal (Winner), Ruby Bhogal, Kim-Joy Hewlett

Season 5 (2014)

Iain Watters consults with the judges in season 5.

The infamous “bingate” season brought the show’s first real major conflict. Things got heated during the Baked Alaska showstopper, when Diana removed Iain’s ice cream from the freezer. When he returned to find a soupy surprise, he chucked it in the bin, which he presented to the judges.

The show’s harsh judgment — and his elimination — sparked an outcry from fans claiming sabotage. It was the rare controversy to really stir the pot; there remains debate about how long the ice cream was actually out of the freezer.

Scandal aside, the heart of the show is the bakers and one couldn’t help but fall in love with this lot. Richard scored Star Baker a then-unprecedented five times, while beloved gran Nancy blew everyone away in the final hour with an impressive windmill showstopper.

**Top 3:** Nancy Birtwhistle (Winner), Richard Burr, Luis Troyano

Season 6 (2015)

Flora Shedden during Chocolate Week in season 6.

The crusts were golden and so was this particular era of the show. Season 6 takes the cake with a crop of rising stars and Nadiya’s unforgettable underdog story.

Paul was the pride of Bread Week, earning a handshake in the signature challenge. The mane-event was his sculpted bread lion — which won high praise from breadmaster Paul Hollywood, who said it was one of the best things he'd seen in bread *ever*.

Tamal was known for injecting syrup into his bakes. Ian engineered some solid structured bakes and was a pie-oneer with inventive flavors for his notoriously named “roadkill pie.”

Nadiya took some time to prove herself, but quickly rose to the top, winning three Star Bakers in a row. There wasn’t a dry eye in the tent during what's easily one of the most emotional and poignant finales in *GBBS *history.

**Top 3: **Nadiya Hussain (Winner), Ian Cumming, Tamal Ray

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Source: “EW Reality”