19 behind-the-scenes secrets from the hit 'Great British Baking Show' revealed

BBC

For those who may not know, “The Great British Baking Show” is a somewhat new (to us) hit TV show that airs on BBC1 and PBS.

Many Americans are just now finding out about the six-seasons-old program thanks to Netflix and Amazon, which currently have one season of the show online.

Inspired by village baking competitions in America, “The Great British Baking Show” — or “The Great British Bake Off” as it’s known across the pond — is among the most-watched shows in the UK and is catching on quickly with American audiences.

Why? Because it's just so bloody nice. The contestants genuinely like each other, everyone is supportive, and even the judges are encouraging, offering words of advice or warning.

In short: It's the exact opposite of all the overly scripted American food competition shows.

Keep reading to see 21 behind-the-scenes secrets of “The Great British Baking Show.”

There are 12 contestants each season and they all must be amateur bakers, which means they have no past experience as a chef, professional baker, or caterer.

Source: Country Living UK

They are put through a rigorous application process, including a seven-page application form, phone calls with researchers and producers, multiple auditions in London — including an on-screen technical challenge — and an interview by a psychologist to make sure they’re up for filming.

Source: Baking Martha and Telegraph

It’s an expensive application process when you consider the ingredients, tools, and sheer time needed to apply, not to mention travel expenses to and from London.