Quite a fun and entertaining show to watch with amateur bakers squaring off against each other in challenges that even a seasoned baker might contend with. **The only reason it doesn't highest marks (down a full two points for this) is that it seem every episode the editing telegraphs who is going to lose just moments before it's announced because it's cut nearly the same way every time. Too bad, because that loses the suspense and surprise of it all. I almost want to close my eyes for those last few shots so I don't know who is being cut before they say it.**Aside from that, it's a wonderful show that I learn from and inspires me to want to go out and try new things to add to my arsenal of baking sweet and savory treats.

I've loved most of the British shows that have made it across the water, and this one is exceptional! I love that they don't have disguised 'professional' bakers, just people who love this as a hobby; they do this as a true 'labor of love'!Another aspect is the judging. They don't hide catty commentary or mean-spirited comebacks in the 'helpful' comments they give, they're honestly decent in their feedback and don't make 'authoritarian' statements such as 'this is wrong' when it comes to the taste of an item. Rather, they might say 'I'm not as keen on (whatever), but the design is lovely'.Such a nice diversion from the 'reality' food shows in America! Pay attention Food Network execs!!

I heard the programme mentioned many times from various sources, including an appearance from three contestant of a series on Big Fat Quiz of the Year, you could consider both a reality and talent show, and one I am really happy I started watching. Every series twelve or above contestants are chosen to take part in the competition to find the best amateur baker, the prize for the winner is a special cake serving dish, but more than anything they win pride and the opportunity to go on to do whatever baking related career they want, e.g. open their own shop, do presentations, make recipe books. The show is presented by comedian double-act Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, and the judges throughout the competition are cookery writer and National Television Award nominated Mary Berry and professional baker Paul Hollywood. The amateur bakers are given three challenges each episode related to whatever they are making, these are: cakes, biscuits and traybakes, bread, puddings, pastry, pies and tarts, desserts, patisserie, sweet dough, European cakes, advanced dough and more. The three challenges consist of: the Signature Challenge - the amateur bakers show off their tried-and- tested recipes for bakes they might make for their friends and family; the Technical Challenge - the bakers are given the same recipe for a bake, with all ingredients, but minimal instructions, e.g. time amounts, this is judged blind and ranked from worst to best; and the Showstopper Challenge - the bakers show off their skills and talent with a bake that is of professional appearance and outstanding in taste. It is a fantastic show, with spin-off series An Extra Slice, and has inspired many competitions related to everyday hobbies and interests, e.g. The Great British Sewing Bee, The Big Painting Challenge. It won the BAFTA for Best Features, and it was nominated the Audience Award (TV) three times, and it won the National Television Award for Most Popular Skills Challenge Shows, and it was nominated for Most Popular Factual Entertainment Programme. Very good!

This show is a great reality show that keeps it interesting without manufactured drama. You end up caring for all of the bakers and want them all to do well. Mel and Sue make the show with their witty humor as the hosts. There is are also baking tips in the narration. For example, I now understand why bread needs to be kneaded and that gluten-free bread shouldn't be kneaded. There are also sidebars with baking history.One disappointment was in season three. There was a challenge to make an "American pie", even though one of the judges professed to hating American style pies. There were British fruit pies in another episode though that seemed pretty similar to American fruit pies.