Jessika Trassel for The Great British Bake Off 2025 / Channel 4
Age: 32
From: London
Occupation: Service Designer
How did you react to the news that you would be on the show?
“Oh gosh, I’d dreamed about it for years but never truly believed it would happen. This was my third time applying, and I’d told myself it would be my last attempt, so when I got the call confirming my place, I couldn’t quite believe it. I think I just stood there in shock for a moment before letting out a little scream, then a bigger scream, and then a goofy dance!
“I was alone at my friend’s house when I got the call, so it was just me on my own, flapping about! But that night I was heading out to a Broadway nightclub event. Yes, you read that right… What a way to close out a wild day!”
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a baker?
“I guess my strengths are being creative and my attention to detail. I love pushing boundaries with flavours and adding those little extra touches that make a bake feel special. As for weaknesses, I can definitely get a bit carried away with ideas, which sometimes means I run out of time or end up making a mess!”
Was it surreal meeting Noel and Alison for the first time?
“Meeting Alison and Noel for the first time was absolutely wild. They’re both so cheeky and always up to no good. Having them around was such a delight; while they’re definitely a nuisance, they brought a comforting, joyous energy to the tent that made everything feel a little less overwhelming.”
How did you feel about your first judging from Paul and Prue?
“Oh goodness, I was terrified! My Swiss roll had a crack and a dribble of curd leaking out, and watching Paul poke at it with a knife made me want to sink into the floor. Plus, seeing them judge everyone else’s bakes beforehand didn’t help! By the time they got to me, I was bracing myself for the worst.”
The Great British Bake Off begins Tuesday night at 8pm on Channel 4.
