"GBBO" Is Back Exactly When We Need It — Here's a Look at This Year's Contestants

Abdul, an electronics engineer from London, is hoping to apply his chemistry knowledge to the world of baking. The 29-year-old was introduced to baking when he and his graduate colleagues started bringing home-baked goods to perk up their daily coffee breaks. Abdul splits his time between London and Cambridge. He's also a keen salsa dancer and self-proclaimed space nerd.

Carole, a supermarket cashier from Dorset, loves creating colourful, fruity, and punchy bakes . . . but you probably could've guessed that from her incredible pink-and-purple hair! The 59-year-old hosts her own gardening show on local radio, and her bakes are often inspired by her love for nature. Carole has taught herself the ins and outs of baking using YouTube.

IT manager Dawn, 60, from Bedfordshire describes herself as "an artist in and out of the kitchen." Her speciality is whacky and intricate designs, and she prides herself on her steady hand and attention to details. She is a mother of three, step-mother of two, and step-gran of four, and she loves a challenge — the more "impossible sounding," the better.

Nuclear scientist James, 25, grew up in Glasgow and moved to England after university. The "proud kilt-wearer" enjoys the technical side of baking, but his signature style is "child-friendly horror," which comes from his love for '70s and '80s horror films.

Janusz, 34, is the personal assistant to the head teacher at a school. After growing up in Poland, Janusz moved to the UK 10 years ago. Now he lives on the coast in East Sussex with his boyfriend, Simon, and their sausage dog, Nigel. Outside of his love for baking, Janusz enjoys watching drag and collecting movie props and has a passion for internet culture. He loves working Polish ingredients into British staples.

Kevin, 33, from Lanarkshire in Scotland is a music teacher as well as a saxophonist, flautist, pianist, and clarinetist, so it's fair to say he'll have rhythm when kneading the dough! Kevin has been baking since he was 17, and he loves interesting combinations of fruits, herbs, nuts, and spices.

Maisam is the youngest of the group at just 18 years old. Although she lives in Manchester, Maisam is originally from Libya and tends to use flavours inspired by her heritage in her baking. The ambitious student already speaks five languages (English, Arabic, Amazigh, Spanish, and Turkish) and plans to make that seven by the time she turns 20.

Maxy has a master's degree in architecture, so we're expecting intricate presentation throughout the competition from her! Maxy, 29, is from London and has two daughters named Tyra and Talia. Born in Sweden, she enjoys making lots of Scandinavian treats featuring cinnamon and saffron. Maxy started baking five years ago when her first daughter was born.

Rebs, 23, is a master's student from County Antrim in Northern Ireland. She loves everything about Irish culture and can Irish dance and play the tin whistle. Rebs has recently shown an interest in Middle Eastern recipes as her boyfriend's family are of Turkish descent. Her earliest baking memories are helping her mum in the kitchen at the age of 3 and eating her granny's renowned lemon meringue pies.

Sandro, 30, was born in Angola. He fled the Angolan War with his mum to live in London when he was 2 years old. His Angolan heritage is evident in his baking choices, since he loves to use African flavours such as paprika mixed with tangy cheese or sweet bakes smothered in sticky dulce de leche. He started baking at the age of 21 as a form of therapy to cope when his father passed away. Now he runs virtual baking classes for children with autism and bakes at home to relax.

Syabira is a 32-year-old cardiovascular research associate who lives in London with her boyfriend, Bradley. She moved to the UK from Malaysia to study for her PhD in 2013, and her Malaysian heritage makes its way into her baking. In her spare time, she loves gaming — specifically playing an online World War II simulation game. Syabira is new to baking, starting with a red velvet cake in 2017.

Former charity director Will, 45, grew up just outside of Bristol, studied in Liverpool, and now lives in London with his wife; his three children; and their cat, Tiggy. Will's love for baking started at the age of 2, when his mum would give him pastry trimmings to turn into jam tarts.