Tom for The Great British Bake Off 2025 / Channel 4
Age: 31
From: London
Occupation: Creative Entrepreneur
How did you react to the news that you would be on the show?
“I was sat on a ski lift with a couple of friends who didn’t know I’d applied so it was very hard to keep a straight face. We arrived at the top as one of the team was giving me the good news and I was so distracted I got my poles stuck and almost had a full wipeout. But of course I never actually thought I was going to get on when I applied. I sent it in and forgot about it to be honest and then step by step I just kept getting through.”
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a baker?
“Weakness is timing. I think my strength is that I have less traditional baking experience so I come up with some ideas that seem pretty random but when done well (which is clearly not all the time) people seem to really like the concepts and flavours.”
Was it surreal meeting Noel and Alison for the first time?
“They are just both so lovely. Noel has a weird sense of humour but he is one of the loveliest people. They were both incredible at always knowing the right thing to say to us when the cameras were off, especially when we needed a little pep talk or kick up the arse.”
How did you feel about your first judging from Paul and Prue?
“Looking back I don’t know how I held it together. The Prue and Paul are coming to taste my food? It’s completely surreal. Especially because you’ve barely spoken to them at this stage. They are kept away from us much more than Noel and Alison so there’s a real aura around them.”
The Great British Bake Off begins Tuesday night at 8pm on Channel 4.
