One of the biggest shows on British TV, The Great British Bake Off is back – and, this time on 2026’s series 17, there’s a Nottinghamshire contestant.
Gary shares with us his first impressions of the show (no spoilers!) ahead of his appearance. Bake Off is on Tuesdays at 8pm from September 22 on Channel 4.
If you’re looking for things to do, supporting one of our own by watching the show is a lovely idea. For more interviews and guides, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.
Q&A: The Great British Bake Off’s Gary from Nottinghamshire
Photos by Patch Dolan / Channel 4 / Love Productions
Gary, 67, is a retired garment technologist who discovered his love of baking later in life. He bought his first cookbook in a gift shop five years ago and hasn’t looked back, developing a traditional yet creative style with a focus on impeccable presentation and bold flavours, particularly citrus.
Born and bred in Chesterfield, Gary now lives on a smallholding in Nottinghamshire with his wife of over 30 years, Donna. Their countryside home is filled with animals, including sheep, horses, chickens and miniature pygmy goats and Shetland ponies.
Having beaten prostate cancer himself, Gary is passionate about raising awareness and funds for cancer charities through bake sales and coffee mornings. When he’s not baking, Gary is usually out walking with his two border collies, Ollie and Alfie, who are his pride and joy.
Did you ever dream that you would actually get into the Bake Off tent, and what was your reaction when you got the call confirming your place?
I dreamt about it and getting on it, but I always thought it was going to be difficult because of the thousands who apply to get on. My reaction was emotional and disbelief. It took me a few days to believe I actually got picked.
Can you describe seeing the big white tent for the first time, and walking in towards your workbench?
It looked exactly how it looked on TV. I was excited and nervous – it all felt very familiar. As I walked up to the bench for the first time the nerves kicked in. It felt really real when Paul [Hollywood], Nigella [Lawson], Alison [Hammond] and Noel [Fielding] entered the tent. It also felt very special and I felt very lucky to have Nigella as a judge for the first time.
What was it like meeting the judges and hosts?
When I met Noel, we were joking about the resemblance between me and Paul, and how we could be connected at birth. The funniest thing that happened in the first week was when I said to Paul he had competition, as the bakers thought we looked alike.
When I met Alison I was concentrating on baking and noticed her big friendly smile when she came towards me. I also did some Northern Soul dancing with Alison, which was an experience! I showed her how to do this as I love Northern Soul.
Plus, I was apprehensive about the first judging from Nigella and Paul, and wondered whether they would like my flavours or not.
Can you describe the bakers as a group this year? When and where did you first meet, and what was it like when you all met for the first time?
They are all different personalities and all friendly and kind to each other. We met for the first time at the hotel. It was all very relaxed and we felt like we had known each other for ages.
What did you enjoy most about filming the first week and what did you miss most about being away from home?
I was surprised how friendly and helpful the production team were, and it was a new experience. I did miss my dogs, though.
What excuse/white lie did you tell friends/family when you were away the first weekend of filming?
I said I was doing voluntary work for prostate cancer.
You are cast away on a desert island, which cookbook would you take and why?
Nigella’s! I love the variety of her recipes.
What was it like having the team clean up for you after all your bakes? Are you a tidy or messy baker?
I felt quite guilty as I am a messy baker!
Describe your baking style in three words
Traditional, varied, perfection.
The Great British Bake Off is on Tuesdays at 8pm from September 22 on Channel 4.
@garybakes
🤳 Keep up with us on socials on Instagram and TikTok
✉️ Send stories such as press releases and feature ideas to editor@thenottsedit.com
💰 Want to feature your business in The Notts Edit? Email Eve Smallman at editor@thenottsedit.com to receive our media pack
☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words