Ep 1. Cake Week

In the season 8 premiere of The Great British Bake Off, 12 new contestants enter the famous tent for Cake Week. The first challenge sees the bakers tasked with making a fruity signature cake. Some contestants go for traditional flavors like lemon and raspberry, while others experiment with more unique combinations like blackberry and apple.

The technical challenge is set by Paul Hollywood and requires the bakers to make a genoise sponge for a layered mille-feuille cake. The pressure is on as genoise sponge is notoriously difficult to get right, with the slightest mistake resulting in a dry or dense sponge.

Finally, for the showstopper challenge, the contestants are given complete creative freedom to make an illusion cake. These cakes are designed to look like one thing but are actually made up of entirely different layers and flavors. The bakers have to showcase not only their baking skills but also their artistic flair as they sculpt their cakes into intricate designs.

As always, judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith will be scrutinizing every bake, analyzing the texture, flavor, and presentation. The contestants will also have to contend with the ticking clock and the blistering heat in the tent, as well as each other as they battle it out to stay in the competition.

Will any of the bakers impress with their signature cake, or will we see some early disasters? Who will shine in the technical challenge, and who will crumble under the pressure? And who will come out on top with their illusion cake, and who will be going home?

Tune in to the season 8 premiere of The Great British Bake Off to find out.