Great British Bake Off stars who look unrecognisable – from mum who swapped cakes for bodybuilding to Strictly beefcake
THE Great British Bake Off is returning to our screens, bringing a fresh batch of hopefuls with their eyes on the coveted cake stand prize.
The Channel 4 show has seen some iconic characters over the years – but you might not recognise some if they walked past you on the street today.
While judge Paul Hollywood has barely aged since the first series aired back in 2010, several of the show-stopping bakers have completely overhauled their look.
From wacky hairstyles to bodybuilding, here we reveal some of the most stunning changes.
John Whaite
Former Bake Off winner John Whaite won over the nation for a second time last year, following his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.
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Paired with professional Johannes Radebe, they were the first ever male same-sex pairing on the show and reached the final.
Ten years ago, John was rocking a Justin Bieber-style sweeping fringe, which he has switched for a modern cut and stubble.
Not only that, but the baker has hit the gym and beefed up – showing off the results on Instagram and, more recently, his OnlyFans.
Ugne Bubnaityte
Lithuanian star Ugne Bubnaityte starred on Bake Off during its BBC days in 2015.
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Both Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry branded her ice cream roll “a mess” and she was the fifth contestant to get the boot.
However, she has enjoyed major success in her other favourite hobby: body-building.
Recent photographs show off her chiselled abs, very deep tan and silver locks where her blonde bob used to be.
The mum-of-two, who has scooped some impressive wins in competitive body-building, still loves to bake and shows off some mouth-watering delights on Instagram.
Cathryn Dresser
It’s been ten years since Cathryn Dresser graced our screens on the show’s third ever season.
The young mum, who was then in her mid-20s, has gone on to become a successful author.
Cathryn, who was a brunette on the show, has traded in for a bolder look, often sporting bright pink hair.
Posts from her Instagram show that she is still a keen baker, but is also enjoying family time and other hobbies like yoga.
Candice Brown
Fan favourite Candice Brown often left Paul Hollywood speechless and won the 2016 series after wowing with a “humdinger of a showstopper” royal picnic.
Since Bake Off, the former teacher has appeared at food festivals and regularly pops up on TV.
Having split from her husband of two years in 2020, the baker now owns a country pub called The Green Man and writes cookery books.
Known for her dark brown hair and maroon lipstick, Candice has done a 180 and is now a blonde bombshell, rocking a colourful look.
Ruby Tandoh
Back in 2013, Ruby Tandoh shot to fame on Bake Off, before going on to release a whole range of cookbooks.
While her love of baking appears unchanged, her hairstyle is radically different – now much longer and dyed a stunning lilac.
Kim-Joy Hewlett
A highlight of series nine, finalist Kim-Joy Hewlett and her sparkling personality wowed viewers with a string of colourful bakes.
Since her TV appearance, she has gone from strength to strength and even released three cookbooks.
Perhaps it is her growing confidence that has led to a bold change in hair colour from her natural dark brown to a series of bright shades.
Her Instagram has documented her hair journey as she ping-pongs between pink and orange locks.
Ben Frazer
Hailing from the 2011 line-up, Ben Frazer has opted for an bushier look in recent years.
The avid baker grew an impressive handlebar moustache after his TV appearance, which he proudly shows off on social media.
Sophie Faldo
Former British Army officer Sophie Faldo baked her way to the top in 2017.
Since her win, she has started her own business, Sophie Faldo Cakes, which specialises in custom confections for weddings and other events.
She also gives fans a glimpse into her glamorous life away from the tent, jetting off for sun-soaked holidays and showcasing her stylish outfits on social media.
Tom Hetherington
Fan favourite Tom Hetherington was labelled the most “dapper” contestant on the show back in 2017.
However, he looks even hunkier today as the photogenic baker keeps his 33,700 Instagram followers up to date with his life.
He even stripped down to speedos in one holiday snap, revealing his ripped physique five years on from his TV breakthrough.
Imelda McCarron
Imelda McCarron baked in the famous tent for just a single episode back in 2018.
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The Northern Irish mum was fair-haired at the time, but four years on, her hair is a rich brown and she has some serious eyebrow game!
Nowadays, Imelda spends her time following a love for the outdoors with baking and family life.