Seems to often happen on this type of series, some take a dislike (often an instant dislike) to a contestant and then take every opportunity to be negative about them. I will often take a dislike to a few but try to ignore them.

Just a reminder that Junior Bake-off starts today at 5.30 on CBBC with Sam and Mark presenting and Allegra Mcwhaterverhernameis and Nadia judging.

Thanks. Just watching now.

The little boy who turned the mixer on in the intro

First time I've ever watched CBBC - are the presenters always so hyper and shouty?

I don't have children, but what struck me was how precocious are those children in their introductions. But they all seemed very likeable when they were doing the baking - and so much confidence! I don't remember being that confident in my 20s, let alone at their ages. They didn't seem phased by things going wrong.

The two judges were very good with them, encouraging them but still pointing out what went wrong and not talking down to them nor discouraging them. Nadyia is a complete natural in that situation.

Misogyny? Give me strength.

I suspect so... But I recorded it to watch later so ffd through them!

Thought they were all brilliant - at that age all I'd have been doing is probably making chocolate crispies or other things which don't much skill - let alone doing Gravity Defying cakes and icing and so on.

And agree that the judges pitch it just right - not that keen on Allegra normally but have to say she was good here and Nadyia is, as you said, a natural with them.

The 2 bloke are very OTT from what I remember but tbh I do not blame them for throwing themselves away from Anabel (think that was her name) when she was wielding the knives within inches of them . Not quite sure how she got through as she seemed a disaster in the kitchen

I meant the male and female presenters who did their bit before the show started being hyper and shouty. They do the links between programmes. The last person I saw doing this was Phillip Schofield in the broom cupboard.

The "2 blokes", Sam and Mark were OK. A bit condescending to the young contestants, but OK.

Sorry thought you meant the presenters.

Not seen them but from a few years ago I remember seeing those type of 'presenter's' Bloody awful.

Has anyone seen the American version - starting soon on ABC

It's a pity that Bake Off has ended. Would have loved to see Mel and Sue asking the bakers whether they have washed their hands as on Junior Bake Off! Then get them to show their hands to prove it.

- yep!

I really enjoyed Junior Bake Off this time - some really impressive stuff from all of them.

Many of the showstoppers could have been on the main programme. A very deserving winner this year in many ways.

GBBO open for applications.

http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/great-b...-how-to-apply/

Applications for the eighth series of the baking show are officially open, but only for the next 38 days.

Seems a odd as there cannot be a series until 2018 - contractually.

Suppose they can go ahead and record it in Spring and then wait a longer while to broadcast it.

And more.

More on GBBO,

The BBC might be blocking Channel 4 filming the next series of Bake Off

http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/great-b...ear-after-all/

“Hardball” BBC tactics over Bake Off mean Channel 4 almost certain not to air a full series next year
Exclusive: The Corporation is in no mood to compromise and is likely to hold the show’s producers to a clause preventing a full series next year

http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-...ries-next-year

Good, I hope they give absolutely no concessions to Love or Channel 4.

Bumping this thread for the first of the two Christmas specials tonight.

Hi everyone.... this is just going to remind us of what we're missing now lol

Loved the start with Paul, Mary, Mel and Sue in bed together!

So nice to see the old contestants back, especially with the clips of their best (and worst) bits.

Mary-Anne's cake sounds lovely - lemon curd, ginger and speculaas.

Thoroughly enjoying this, they chose well with the returning contestants.

Mary liked the boozy cake - who'd 'ave thunk?!

Looks like Ali's lop-sided cake has been "Celebrating Jesus" a little too much.