The seventh series of the Great British Bake Off returns to our screens next Wednesday 24^th August, amongst the 12 contestants are a  and a former Head Teacher all hoping to be the next Nadiya Hussain. The amateur bakers will be put to the test to see if they can take the heat in the kitchen or if they are better off staying in the classroom.    

Candice A 32 year old PE teacher in a Secondary school in Bedfordshire whose baking inspiration comes from her grandmother and aims to be “even half the lady she was.” She bakes in her pj's and has been known to break in a new pair of heels whilst baking too!    

Benjamina A 23 year old teaching assistant, recently gained a first in Economics. Straight A student, she started baking at the age of 14 and is her biggest critic. She lives in South London with brother and twin sister who is her other big critic.    

Val A 66 year old former Primary school head teacher who is a pro at making classic cakes with her eyes closed. Originally from Doncaster, she now lives in Yeovil and works two days a week with the rest of her time doing aerobics in her kitchen whilst baking….an interesting concept!

Judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood will oversee the competition with each baker trying to impress them with their skills. Last year's winner Nadiya Hussain was a big success and Hollywood said this year's crop had felt the pressure. "Nadiya went to a whole new level... it put pressure on them more," he said. "I think we felt it in the tents as well. They started quite nervously, but once they settled down they got into it." Berry concurred, saying: "They know the standard that it is, which is now pretty high. And I think they were slower to bond this year than they were in the past."  

Good luck to all the bakers!