Foxtel today released the official promo and cast for the new season of The Great Australian Bake Off, offering a first taste of the creativity, challenge, and camaraderie that lies ahead. The deliciously feel-good series will premiere on FOXTEL and BINGE in July with episodes served weekly on both platforms.
Judges Rachel Khoo and Darren Purchese return to critique the bakers’ creations, bringing world-class pastry expertise and warm encouragement to the bench. Comedian Natalie Tran returns as host, this time joined by fellow comedian Tom Walker, whose offbeat humour and quick wit bring fresh energy to the shed.
12 passionate amateur bakers from across the country will step into the iconic Bake Off shed to tackle 30 creative, technical, and showstopping challenges across 10 weeks. From gravity defying cakes to intricate biscuit cities, this season serves up the show’s most ambitious bakes yet. The last baker standing will be crowned Australia’s best amateur baker.
In a special Earth Week episode – dedicated to sustainability and championing green initiatives – bakers will craft raw cakes and stunning edible terrariums, celebrating the beauty and bounty of nature.
This season’s cast reflects a rich mix of backgrounds and baking styles – from a vegan barista inspired by French techniques, to a baker drawing on their Solomon Islands heritage, and a stay-at-home dad with a deep love for classic pâtisserie. Among them are nurses, analysts, stylists and creatives, united by their love of baking and their personal connection to food.
The diverse group of home bakers who will be kneading and mixing their way through the deliciously anticipated new season are:
ANIRBAN CHANDA | AGE: 38 | OCCUPATION: Senior Knowledge Manager
AYSHA MOULTON | AGE: 32 | OCCUPATION: Production Coordinator
BETH HOY | AGE: 37 | OCCUPATION: Pastor
BRIAN ROONEY | AGE: 51 | OCCUPATION: Stay at Home Dad
ERIK NEWCOMB | AGE: 43 | OCCUPATION: E-Commerce Director
GREGSON GASTAR | AGE: 44 | OCCUPATION: Hairdresser
JAI JOHNS | AGE: 28 | OCCUPATION: Barista
JESS SYNON | AGE: 31| OCCUPATION: Business Analyst
KELARNIE WHALEN | AGE: 22 | OCCUPATION: Recruitment Consultant
TATIANA MARKOVIC | AGE: 55 | OCCUPATION: Nurse
VANESSA FURCI | AGE: 34 | OCCUPATION: Oncology Nurse
WESLEY MITTON | AGE: 37 | OCCUPATION: Digital E-Commerce Director
Darren Purchase, judge, said: “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. There’s such a great mix of personalities in the shed this year, and watching them grow and push themselves has been a real joy. I think viewers are in for a seriously impressive season.”
Rachel Khoo, judge, 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. I can’t wait for viewers to step into the shed and experience the magic we’ve created.”
The Great Australian Bake Off is proudly produced by BBC Studios Productions Australia for the Foxtel Group
The Bake Off franchise began in 2010 with The Great British Bake Off, where it became a ratings phenomenon. The Love Productions format is distributed by BBC Studios and has been produced locally in the US, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Poland, Ireland, Kenya, Norway, Finland, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Turkey, Ukraine, Algeria and France
This series retains the wonderfully warm spirit of camaraderie, savvy take-home baking tips and heartfelt humour of its series 1 – 7 predecessors.
The Great Australian Bake Off Season 8 premieres Tuesday 29 July at 7.30pm AEST on FOXTEL and BINGE,
