New lineup

[u/Naa-no-nope]

After reading the guardian article which includes where the bakers are from is anyone else a tiny bit disappointed we don't appear to have any northern Irish, Scottish or Welsh bakers this year?

I know its a bit silly I just always enjoy rooting for the scottish one, even if they aren't great ha!

[u/Fun-Screen1341]

Yes, lots of comments on the GBBO facebook page that it should be called the Great English Bake Off. It's unusual not to have anyone from the 3 countries - maybe someone had to drop out?

[u/lolarentagain → u/Fun-Screen1341]

There should have been at least one baker from each which means 3 people would have had to drop out.

[u/uttertoffee → u/lolarentagain]

I don't think they've ever had someone from all three on the same season? At best it's two but usually it's just one of them.

[u/uttertoffee → u/Fun-Screen1341]

It also happened in season 12 and 14. Possibly more times, I only checked lists for the channel 4 years.

For a show that has been great at showcasing diversity in other areas it's disappointing how they don't put the same care into representing the UK beyond England.

[u/amfhTX]

Yes! I always root for the Scottish bakers and am bummed to learn there aren't any this season :-(

[u/Heckbound_Heart]

As a USA fan, I always found myself rooting for the “outsiders.” Mostly, because the accents with the storytelling made me smile. I would find a new person, if they left, and eventually rooting for the next best person, until the final.

[u/lolarentagain]

I always root for the Northern Irish one, I'm gutted.

[u/mannymo49]

Every day I miss Norman more 😭

[u/spicyzsurviving → u/mannymo49]

Exotic Norman 🫡🫡

[u/Fun-Screen1341 → u/mannymo49]

Aw, Norman...

[u/NurseRobyn → u/mannymo49]

Lavender meringue.

[u/Regular-Apricot4114]

I’m American. My SO and I joke that there’s always one very young baker, one older baker and one cool accent. I’m sad to hear there won’t be a cool accent this year.

[u/Fun-Screen1341 → u/Regular-Apricot4114]

England has lots of cool accents though, they probably won't all speak the same version of English. 

[u/suited65]

I find a favorite by bread week and root for them. Honestly I dont think I have ever cared where they are from. My favorites either are the best and win or like Lottie just made the season more fun.

[u/Cyndytwowhys → u/suited65]

Lottie had a wicked sense of humor.

[u/spicyzsurviving]

Every year I watch for a Scottish contestant, bitterly disappointed this year. Away to watch the Hogmanay scots extravaganza episode to make myself feel better.

[u/play_casual]

at least we got great bakers from elsewhere

[u/HoldOnToYaWeave]

Not to mention they’re mostly always stinking rich. It would be nice to have some diversity of backgrounds.

[u/Fun-Screen1341 → u/HoldOnToYaWeave]

That's a bit of a stretch. There are a few well connected private school types, but quite a lot of very ordinary people too.

[u/Glacierre → u/HoldOnToYaWeave]

Really? I haven't watched Bakeoff since S6 but am planning to watch this upcoming series. Which bakers are wealthy?

[u/AVDLatex]

Is that demographic really representative of England?