Meet the gay Great British Bake Off contestant who’s making the internet thirsty
After a year channel hopping and a lot of controversy, the Great British Bake Off is back on our screens.
The show airs next week with its new presenters, feminist lesbian TV host Sandi Toksvig and eccentric comedian Noel Fielding.
Unlike previous series, the eighth instalment of the show will broadcast on Channel 4, instead of BBC One.
However the puns, smut and diversity of contestants are just the same.
And one contestant in particular has got the internet very excited for the series’ return next Tuesday.
29-year-old Tom, an architect from Edinburgh, is among the 12 newbies competing for this year’s Bake Off crown.
Tom lives in Edinburgh and works as an architect. This means all his bakes should be structurally perfect. #GBBO https://t.co/P6KrVOPnki pic.twitter.com/3DUVYJVCFk
— British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) August 22, 2017
His show bio reveals he is in a relationship with David, his boyfriend, and was taught to bake by his mother.
“The family cherishes recipe books passed down by grandparents from both sides of the family,” reads the biography
“As a true Scot, Tom can often be found making fresh shortbread to welcome friends and family into his home.
“When he’s not baking, Tom loves the great outdoors.
“He enjoys rugby, triathlons, marathons, skiing, horse riding, fresh water swimming and hiking as well as writing and photography.”
And the internet cannot get enough of him.
Well HELLO Tom from Bake Off! pic.twitter.com/2oZUSJJrfB
— Dan (@dancoote) August 22, 2017
uh oh I said I wasn’t gunna watch bake off this year but Tom is a dream in himself https://t.co/S5IrPFvOAv
— Yas Banks (@yasbanks) August 22, 2017
BRING ME THE SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES OF TOM FROM THE NEW BATCH OF BAKE OFF CONTESTANTS: pic.twitter.com/AR7BMPXxYk
— Sean Maguire (@SeanMaguir) August 22, 2017
Bake Off hasn’t even started yet but I’m 99% sure I’m in love with Tom already. ? #GBBO
— Claire Rollins (@Claireyyyy) August 22, 2017
This year’s series also features Yan, who has worked as a molecular biologist for the NHS.
Yan was once a molecular biologist for the NHS. Analysing crumb structures must be what she does best. #GBBO https://t.co/su4tVx8Tda pic.twitter.com/Cemro2mGeU
— British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) August 22, 2017
Yan, who is originally from Hong Kong, lives in north London with her wife, Marian, cat Kacey and her sourdough starter called ‘Muvver’.
She won’t be the only out woman on the series, though, with QI host Sandi Toksvig taking over from duo Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.
Cookery writer Prue Leith will replace beloved judge Mary Berry, who bowed out when the show left the BBC. Chef Paul Hollywood is returning.
Sandi Toksvig OBE said: “It is an extraordinary honour to part of this national treasure of a show.
“Noel Fielding is one of the nicest guys in show business. The first time I met him I felt like I had met a rather wayward cousin whose take on the world made me laugh.
“The only down side is that he has much better dress sense that I do. I spend my daytimes on Channel 4 already so it will be a treat to be there in the evenings.
“I am so delighted to be working with Love Productions and Channel 4 on this best of British show.”
The Great British Bake Off is on Channel 4 on Tuesday 29 August at 8pm.
