Apply for The Great British Bake Off: Next year’s series is looking for bakers

If you’ve ever fancied stepping in to The Great British Bake Off’s famous tent then there’s good news, as applications for the 2018 series are now open.

With the Great British Bake Off’s first Channel 4 series over, bosses at Love Productions have officially begun searching for a fresh batch of contestants.

If you’re an amateur baker and see yourself in the final like Kate, Sophie or Steven’s place this time next year, you can now apply to take part in the ninth series.

To get involved, simply visit the official auditions website, applyforbakeoff.co.uk, and follow the instructions.

Hopefuls must be aged 16 or over by Monday 1st January, 2018, and available for filming between April and July.

Applications close on Sunday 7th January 2018, so you’ve got just over two months to get your details in.

Those reluctant to apply this year because of the risky move from the BBC to Channel 4 may want to reconsider, as Bake Off seems to have settled in nicely at its new home.

Its winning format hasn’t changed, with the bakers remaining the real stars of the show.

New judge Prue Leith and hosts Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding have won over the critics, and viewers seem to love them too.

While ratings are down considerably from the BBC days, as expected, series eight has attracted a consolidated average of nearly 9million viewers – meaning Bake Off remains one of TV’s biggest hits.

Fortunately, it looks like fans won’t have to wait another year for their next fix.

C4 has ordered celebrity specials to support its Stand Up To Cancer campaign, which will reportedly air early next year.

The broadcaster also recently confirmed it has acquired the rights to Bake Off’s professional spin-off, Cream De La Creme.