The Great British Bake Off (series 1)
The first series of The Great British Bake Off first aired on BBC Two on 17 August 2010. Ten home bakers took part in a bake-off to test every aspect of their baking skills as they battled to be crowned the Great British Bake Off's best amateur baker. Each week the nationwide tour saw bakers put through three challenges in a particular discipline, with some being eliminated from competition at the end of the episode. The rounds of the competition took place in various locations across the UK following a theme, for example, the episode on puddings would take place in Bakewell, bread baking would take place near Sandwich.[1][2] This first series had a voiceover by Stephen Noonan; for the subsequent series this role was taken by the on-screen presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins. The competition was won by Edd Kimber.[3][4][5]
| The Great British Bake Off | |
|---|---|
| Season 1 | |
| Starring | |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Release | |
| Original network | BBC Two |
| Original release | 17 August – 21 September 2010 |
| Series chronology | |
Bakers
| Baker | Age | Occupation | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annetha Mills | 30 | Midwife | Essex |
| David Chambers | 31 | Entrepreneur | Milton Keynes |
| Edward "Edd" Kimber | 24 | Debt collector for Yorkshire Bank | Bradford |
| Jasminder Randhawa | 45 | Assistant Credit Control Manager | Birmingham |
| Jonathan Shepherd | 25 | Research Analyst | St Albans |
| Lea Harris | 51 | Retired | Midlothian, Scotland |
| Louise Brimelow | 44 | Police Officer | Manchester |
| Mark Whithers | 48 | Bus Driver | South Wales |
| Miranda Gore Browne | 37 | Food buyer for Marks & Spencer | Midhurst, West Sussex |
| Ruth Clemens | 31 | Retail manager/Housewife | Poynton, Cheshire |
Results summary
| Elimination chart | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baker | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Edd | WINNER | |||||
| Ruth | Runner-up | |||||
| Miranda | Runner-up | |||||
| Jasminder | OUT | |||||
| David | OUT | |||||
| Jonathan | OUT | |||||
| Annetha | OUT | |||||
| Louise | OUT | |||||
| Lea | OUT | |||||
| Mark | OUT | |||||
Colour key:
- – Baker got through to the next round
- – Baker was eliminated
- – Baker was one of the judges' least favourite bakers that week, but was not eliminated
- – Baker was one of the judges' favourite bakers that week
- – Baker was a series runner-up
- – Baker was the series winner
Episodes
- - Baker eliminated
- - Winner
Episode 1: Cakes
For the first challenge, the bakers were instructed to bake any cake they want using their creativity within 3 hours. It has to be evenly baked, evenly risen, and moist. For the technical challenge, the bakers were to make a Victorian Sandwich using Mary Berry's recipe. For the final challenge, the showstopper challenge, the bakers were required to make a Chocolate Celebration Cake, with perfect execution, original ideas and their own flair.
| Baker | Signature (Cake) | Technical (Victoria Sandwich) | Showstopper (Chocolate Celebration Cake) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annetha | Light Jamaican Black Cake with Strawberries and Cream | 2nd | Red, White & Blue Chocolate Cake with Cigarellos, Fresh Fruit, and Cream |
| David | Chocolate Orange Cake | 3rd | Black Forest Floor Gateaux with Moulded Chocolate Leaves, Fallen Fruit and Chocolate Mushrooms Moulded from eggs |
| Edd | Caramel Cinnamon and Banana Cake | 1st | N/A |
| Jasminder | Fresh Mango and Passion Fruit Hummingbird Cake | N/A | N/A |
| Jonathan | Carrot Cake with Lime and Cream Cheese Icing | 9th | Three Tiered White and Dark Chocolate with Almond and Cherry |
| Lea | Cranberry and Pistachio Cake with Orange Flower Water Icing | 10th | Raspberries and Cream filled Chocolate with Chocolate-dipped Fresh Fruit |
| Louise | Carrot and Orange Cake | N/A | Never Fail Chocolate Sponge Cake, with Fresh Fruit, White & Chocolate Cigarello Border |
| Mark | Sticky Marmalade Tea Loaf | N/A | Heart-shaped Chocolate and Beetroot Cake with Store-Bought silver chocolate hearts and chocolate red and white roses. |
| Miranda | Triple Layered Brownie Meringue Cake
with Raspberry Cream |
8th | Three Tiered Chocolate Fudge Cake with Handmade Chocolate Button Decorations |
| Ruth | Three Tiered Lemon Drizzle Cake with Fresh Cream and freshly made Lemon Curd | N/A | Classic Chocolate Sponge wrapped in a Chocolate Collar topped with Handmade White and Dark Chocolate Truffles |
Episode 2: Biscuits
For the signature bake, the bakers were asked to bake their Personality Biscuits within 2 hours. For the technical challenge, the bakers were asked to bake scones using Paul Hollywood's recipe within an hour. For the showstopper, the bakers were asked to bake Petit Fours; Meringues, Choux Pastry, and Macarons, within 4 hours.
Scone Palace, Perthshire
| Baker | Signature (Biscuits) | Technical (Scones) | Showstopper (Petit fours; Meringues, Choux Pastry and Macarons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annetha | Rose Petal Shortbread | 7th | Pink Swirl Macarons / Eclairs |
| David | Cheddar Cheese and Fresh Rosemary Biscuits | 8th | Choux Pastry Swans Chocolate Profiteroles |
| Edd | Oatmeal Raisin Cookie | 6th | Pink Macarons |
| Jasminder | Millionaires' Shortbread | 2nd | Meringues with Chocolate and Space Dust Coffee flavoured Eclairs |
| Jonathan | Honey and Candied Ginger Cookies | 1st | Meringues with Whiskey Cream |
| Louise | Stained Glass Window Shortbread | 4th | Strawberry, Mint, and Cream Meringues Chocolate Eclairs / Orange, Yellow and Pink Macarons |
| Miranda | Fresh Vanilla Biscuits with Royal Icing | 3rd | Pistachio Macarons |
| Ruth | Peanut Shortbread with Salted Peanut Caramel | 5th | Almond Macaron with Violet Buttercream Raspberries and Cream Eclairs |
Episode 3: Bread
For their signature bake, the bakers were asked to bake their signature bread within 3 1/2 hours. For the technical challenge, the bakers were asked to bake a cob using Paul's recipe within 2 1/2 hours. For the showstopper, the bakers were asked to bake 12 sweet rolls and 12 savoury rolls. They can have at least 3 flavours and 6 hours.
Sarre Windmill, Kent
| Baker | Signature (Breads) | Technical (Cobs) | Showstopper (12 Sweet and 12 Savoury Rolls) |
|---|---|---|---|
| David | Chilli Bread | 4th | Walnut and Seed Roll Red Berry and Almond Bun |
| Edd | Olive Bread | 1st | Tomato and Mozzarella |
| Jasminder | Focaccia | 5th | Mango and Sultana Buns Pan au Chocolat with Mars Bars Tutti Frutti Wheel with Jelly Tots |
| Jonathan | Anchovy, Sweet Paprika and Oregano Bread | 6th | Sticky Lemon Honey Bun Olive and Anchovy Roll Sundried Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs Roll Stilton, Walnut and Apple Roll Cinnamon and Cardamom Chelsea Bun |
| Miranda | Walnut and Apricot Bread | 3rd | Lemon Iced Buns Chocolate and Orange Buns |
| Ruth | Maple and Pecan Bread | 2nd | Chocolate and Orange Panettone Cranberry Bagels |
Episode 4: Puddings
For the first challenge, the bakers were asked to bake their own classic pudding, steamed or baked. They had 2 1/2 hours. For the technical challenge, the bakers were asked to bake a lemon souffle using Mary's recipe within 40 minutes. The bakers started to bake at different time intervals. For the showstopper, the bakers were asked to bake 3 puddings: crumble, bread, and suet, in 5 hours.
Bakewell, Derbyshire
| Baker | Signature (Puddings) | Technical (Hot Lemon Soufflé) | Showstopper (3 Puddings; Crumble, Bread, and Suet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| David | Pear and Walnut Pudding | 5th | Apple and Blackberry Crumble, Rhubarb and Orange Betty, Suet Pear |
| Edd | Apple and Plum Pudding | 3rd | Apple and Cinnamon Crumble, Nutella Banana Brioche Bread Pudding, Rhubarb and Strawberry Suet Layer |
| Jasminder | Sticky Toffee Pudding with Tropical Fruit & Toffee Sauce | 2nd | Bread & Butter Pudding, Treacle Suet Pudding with Fresh Fruit, Apple and Pineapple Crumble |
| Miranda | Sticky Toffee Pudding | 1st | Queen of Puddings, Chocolate Pear Roly Poly, Strawberry and Rhubarb Crumble |
| Ruth | Peach and Blueberry Boy Bait | 4th | Apple & Ginger Crumble, Rhubarb Suet Crust, Cherry Queen of Puddings |
Episode 5: Pastry
For the signature challenge, the bakers were asked to bake a savoury pie in 2 1/2 hours. For the technical challenge, the bakers were asked to bake 4 Cornish pasties in 1 1/2 hours. For the showstopper, the bakers were asked to bake 2 pastry platters; savory and sweet tartlets, in 5 hours.
Mousehole, Cornwall
| Baker | Signature (Pies) | Technical (Cornish Pasties) | Showstopper (Tarts and Canapés) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edd | Chicken, Ham, Leek and Tarragon Pie | 2nd | Almond Sweet Pastry with Ginger and Chocolate Raspberry Tart / Yorkshire Curd Tart Chickpea and Salami, Red and Yellow Pepper, Asparagus Gruyere Quiche Canapés |
| Jasminder | Chicken and Mushroom Pie | 4th | Jaggery, Carrot, and Spiced Condensed Milk Tart Fruit and Custard Tart Thai Chili Red Onion, Duck in Plum Sauce, Salmon and Prawn Canapés |
| Miranda | Summery Salmon, Cod and Prawn Fish Pie | 1st | Chocolate Pastry filled with Orange Cheesecake Chocolate Pastry filled with Milk Chocolate Ganache Strawberry Tart with Red Currant Glaze Cheesy Crab, Broad Bean and Tomato, Pancetta Risotto Canapés |
| Ruth | Minced Beef Pie | 3rd | Raspberry and Dark Chocolate Tart Creme Patisserie and Cherry Tart Citrus Curd Tart with Creme Brulee Top Tomato, Asparagus Twirl Canapés |
Episode 6: Tea Party (Final)
In the final, a baker was eliminated after the first bake, and only two bakers competed in the final day. For the first challenge, the 3 finalists were asked to bake 24 miniature cake in 2 1/2 hours. For the final challenge, the 2 finalists were asked to bake 24 miniature tarts, 24 scones, 24 choux buns, and 24 finger sandwiches in 5 hours.
Fulham Palace, London
| Baker | Signature (24 Professional Cupcakes) | Showstopper (Petit Fours) |
|---|---|---|
| Edd | Cinnamon and Banana Cake | Chocolate and Ginger Tarts Lemon Scones with Passion Fruit Curd Raspberry Choux Buns Finger Sandwiches |
| Miranda | Lemon Cupcake | N/A |
| Ruth | Mint, Ginger and Blackberry Cake | Red Pepper and Cheese Quiche Tarts Sultana Scones Vanilla and Lemon Choux Buns Finger Sandwiches |
It took the judges nearly five hours to determine whom to eliminate, and had to look back at their performances over the series as a whole to make a decision. The idea of eliminating a contestant in the final was dropped from future series.
Post-show career
After winning the competition, Edd Kimber is able to make his living from baking.[6] He worked in the pastry kitchen at Raymond Blanc's restaurant Le Manoir. He has written three books on baking, The Boy Who Bakes, Say It With Cake,[7] and Patisserie Made Simple: From Macaron to Millefeuille and More. He has taught macaron making classes in London, run a pop-up bakery in Fortnum & Mason, and appeared as a 'resident baker' on The Alan Titchmarsh Show.[8]
Ruth Clemens has written a number of books on cake making and baking, including Busy Girls Guide to Cake Decorating, The Pink Whisk Guide to Cake Making, The Pink Whisk Guide to Baking and Creative Éclairs.[9][10]
Miranda Gore Browne wrote a book, Biscuit, published on 5 April 2012.[11] Her second book Bake Me a Cake as Fast as You Can was published in August 2014.[12]
Jonathan Shepherd left his job in the pharmaceutical company and launched a new business, The Pudding Stop, in St Albans.[13] It started as a portable street-food vendor and a supplier of puddings to restaurants.[14] Shepherd has since also opened a shop, also in St Albans.[15][16]
Mark Whithers, who was eliminated in Episode 1, died on 11 May 2013 after suffering from cancer.
The Great British Wedding Cake
In this one-off special edition on the series, the three finalists from series one (Edd, Ruth and Miranda) returned once more. Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry set them the ultimate challenge, to make and bake two spectacular Wedding Cakes each in just 16 hours, one being traditional and the other contemporary. Paul and Mary explore the history of the Great British Wedding Cake, looking at the dramatic changes through the eras; from the Tudors and the Victorians, wartime Britain and the eighties to the present day. Although Paul and Mary judged the results, no individual winner was declared.
Ratings
Official episode viewing figures are from BARB.[17]
| Episode no. | Airdate | Viewers (millions) | BBC Two weekly ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17 August 2010 | 2.24 | 7 |
| 2 | 24 August 2010 | 3.00 | 3 |
| 3 | 31 August 2010 | 3.00 | 2 |
| 4 | 7 September 2010 | 2.60 | 4 |
| 5 | 14 September 2010 | 3.03 | 1 |
| 6 | 21 September 2010 | 2.75 | 1 |
Specials
| Episode no. | Airdate | Viewers (millions) | BBC Two weekly ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Great British Wedding Cake | |||
| 20 April 2011 | 1.60 | 19 | |
References
- "The Great British Bake Off". TVDb.com.
- Sarah Stephens (14 August 2012). "Behind the scenes at the Great British Bake-Off". The Daily Telegraph.
- Sarah Rainey (9 December 2011). "Edd Kimber: the great British baker". The Daily Telegraph.
- Aisha Iqbal (23 September 2010), "Leeds man wins BBC's Great British Bake-Off", Yorkshire Evening Post
- Emma Clayton (23 September 2010), "Thackley baker Edd Kimber wins BBC TV's Great British Bake Off", Bradford Telegraph and Argus
- "Edd Kimber and Jo Wheatley: Great British Bake Off changed our lives". Metro. 28 August 2012.
- Daisy Wyatt (22 October 2013). "Great British Bake Off winners: Where are they now?". The Independent.
- Jess Denham (7 October 2014). "Great British Bake Off 2014: What past winners are doing now from Edd Kimber to last year's Frances Quinn". The Independent.
- "Poynton Mum in the Spotlight – Ruth Clemens – The Pink Whisk!". Mums in the Know. 2 December 2012. Archived from the original on 12 April 2015.
- "Interview with Ruth Clemens, The Pink Whisk". The Diary of a Cake Maker. 7 March 2014.
- "Interview & cookbook giveaway: Miranda Gore Browne, Great British Bake Off". Peach Trees and Bumblebees. 13 June 2013.
- Carolyn Hart (11 September 2014). "Cookbook of the Week: Bake Me A Cake As Fast As You Can". The Daily Telegraph.
- Charlotte Morgan (9 September 2010). "St Albans baker takes the plunge with puddings". The Herts Advertiser.
- Monique Hall (8 October 2012). "St Albans' Pudding Stop shortlisted for award". The Herts Advertiser.
- Charlotte Morgan (19 August 2014). "Great British Bake Off: where are they now?".
- "The Pudding Stop".
- "Weekly Top 30 Programmes". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
