Who Will Win Series 16 Of The Great British Bake Off?
The Great British Bake Off returns for a 16th series on Tuesday, and there is a competitive outright market on betting sites ahead of the first bun being baked.
A fresh batch of 12 amateur bakers head into the Channel 4 show's iconic tent to prove they can mix their flour with the best.
Dame Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood are back to judge the bakers, while Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding return to co-host the show and give the contestants some much needed words of encouragement.
Hassan Is The Early Favourite
Hassan is this year's early favourite on betting apps to win The Great British Bake Off series 16.
According to the show's official website, the chemistry graduate adopts an 'analytical approach to baking, researching processes thoroughly before starting on a new recipe.'
This could stand him in good stead throughout the series, and he is said to be particularly fond of 'praline and nut-based flavours', which could be ideal for week one - Cake Week.
Hassan is 2/1 to win this year's Bake Off, just in front of 5/2 second favourite Pui Man.
The Great British Bake Off Winner Odds:
Contestant | Odds | Probability |
Hassan | 2/1 | 33.3% |
Pui Man | 5/2 | 28.6% |
Tom | 3/1 | 25% |
Lesley | 7/2 | 22.2% |
Jasmine | 4/1 | 20% |
Aaron | 9/2 | 18.2% |
Nadia | 5/1 | 16.7% |
Nataliia | 11/2 | 15.4% |
Toby | 6/1 | 14.3% |
Jessika | 7/1 | 12.5% |
Iain | 8/1 | 11.1% |
Leighton | 10/1 | 9.1% |
She has been described as a 'perfectionist' and is said to 'practice endlessly to make sure her creations are as close to perfection as possible'.
While most contestants set out to land one of judge Paul's famous Hollywood handshakes, which he hands out to contestants who have demonstrated a brilliant piece of baking, Pui Man is keen to be on the receiving end of a 'Hollywood hug' instead.
While she could be heard saying "what a mess" in the series 16 trailer, Pui Man is narrowly ahead of third favourite Tom in the outright market.
The 3/1 shot learnt to bake scones and flapjacks alongside his mum and his Danish granny, which could give him some vital experience ahead of Cake Week.
Lesley A Cut Above?
Hairdresser Lesley could be a cut above the rest - or hair today and gone tomorrow.
We will find out on Tuesday night, but early indications are that she will be one of the amateur bakers to beat in series 16.
She has been a hairdresser for 45 years and always serves her clients a piece of cake with their cuts.
As a result, Cake Week could come at the right time for Lesley, who is 7/2 to win this year's Bake Off.
The Great British Bake Off First Elimination Odds:
Contestant | Odds | Probability |
Leighton | 7/4 | 36.4% |
Iain | 15/8 | 34.8% |
Jessika | 2/1 | 33.3% |
Toby | 5/2 | 28.6% |
Nataliia | 3/1 | 25% |
Nadia | 10/3 | 23.1% |
Aaron | 4/1 | 20% |
Jasmine | 9/2 | 18.2% |
Lesley | 5/1 | 16.7% |
Tom | 6/1 | 14.3% |
Pui Man | 7/1 | 12.5% |
Hasan | 8/1 | 11.1% |
Medical student Jasmine is 4/1, and she is said to like nothing better than using 'fresh, seasonal ingredients to create classic flavour combinations'.
Passionate baker Aaron is also in the outright market's midfield at 9/2, followed by 5/1 chance Nadia.
As well as baking, Aaron loves sewing and making his own liqueurs, while Nadia has taken inspiration from her Italian chef father.
She believes baking is all about 'heart, heritage and keeping joy at the centre of it all'.
Leighton To Miscalculate?
Leighton is propping up the Bake Off outright market at 10/1, and he is the 7/4 favourite to be eliminated from the tent first.
According to the show's website, the contestant has a maths brain, but he has 'always done things his own way'.
This could potentially backfire for him in the Technical challenges, or it could be his superpower.
If Leighton does make the right baking calculations in the first episode, then the likes of Iain (15/8), Jessika (2/1) or Toby (5/2) could be the first to leave.
Former amateur powerlifter Iain may have the strength to lift plenty of calorific treats, but does he have what it takes to impress Hollywood and Leith?
He 'blends classic flavours with a creative twist', and one of his baking penchants is using fermented fruits and vegetables to 'enhance the depth and complexity of his flavours'.
Another Bake Off contestant who likes a classic recipe is Toby.
He is passionate about bread, but the first two weeks are Cake Week and Biscuit Week, so he will need to get through those first.
Elsewhere, Jessika is a fan of using 'daring flavours', including salted mango caramel and cardamom, which could be ideal in a cake for week one.
Nataliia - who was born in Ukraine - was taught to bake by her grandmother, and her love of classic British bakes, infused with honey, poppy seeds and spices, could impress the judges.
* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.
