The Great British Bake Off is heading into its 17th year, and with 12 bakers ready to show off their culinary skills, the competition has never been tougher.

With Paul Hollywood ready to dish out those sought-after Hollywood Handshakes, and Nigella Lawson ready to make her tent debut as his fellow judge, it's now or never for this new bakers' dozen to prove they've got what it takes to lift that all-important champions cake stand.

Among them is Connie, an NHS hospital discharge lead, who will be out to make her mark on the tent in a bid join the winners' hall of fame.

But with some of the trickiest challenges to date – including a self-portrait cake, a wearable bake and a petit gateaux display across the next 12 weeks, how will they fare?

Ahead of their debut in the tent, here's everything you need to know about Connie, including their strengths and weaknesses in the kitchen.

Who is Connie?

NHS hospital discharge lead

Connie is a 63-year-old NHS hospital discharge lead from London who is affectionately known as "the Cake Lady" by her friends and family.

She can’t remember a time when she didn’t bake and uses it as a way to unwind after a busy day, having spent more than 20 years working for the NHS.

She is best known for her hearty carrot cakes, with favourite flavours including rum fruit, lemon and lavender. She keeps a jar of fruit permanently soaking in rum, wine and cinnamon – "you can smell the cake before you see it!"

She has been married to Myke, a musician and music teacher, for 23 years, and together they run a music centre in London where Connie loves to try out her new recipes for the students, but she never imagined that would lead her to the tent.

"When I was told that a place had become available and that I could take part, I was completely speechless," Connie said of her Bake Off casting.

"The news felt surreal, and for a while I couldn't quite process what I was hearing. I kept checking that it was real because it seemed too good to be true.

"When the reality finally sank in, I felt overwhelming joy, gratitude, and excitement. It was a dream come true and a moment I will never forget."

What is Connie's secret baking "super power"?

Connie's secret superpower is "baking with heart".

She continued: "I bring fun, determination, and care into everything I do. I love creating bakes that make people smile, and even when things don't go to plan, I'm determined to keep going until I've done my very best.

"Most importantly, I genuinely care about the people I bake for. For me, baking is about bringing joy, showing kindness, and creating something special to share with others."

Read more on The Great British Bake Off 2026 cast:

The Great British Bake Off returns on Tuesday 22 September at 8pm on Channel 4.

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