Bake Off returns with All-Meringue Week

The Great British Bake Off returns on Tuesday evening, October 13, as the 16th series reaches its seventh episode and the remaining six amateur bakers confront a new, show-first theme: Meringue Week. Channel 4 confirmed the episode will air at 8pm and run for 75 minutes, concluding at approximately 9.15pm, with versions carrying BSL signing and subtitles available on 4Seven and streams on the Channel 4 app and website.

For the first time in the programme's run, meringues are the central focus across all three challenges. Contestants will open with a signature task to produce mini meringue tarts, followed by a technical round requiring delicate soufflés. The episode culminates in a showstopper: a meringue ice cream cake. Presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding will guide the bakers through the tent, while judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith will assess technique, flavour and presentation before deciding who will leave the tent.

Producers have periodically introduced themed weeks and specialised challenges in past series, but industry observers note this is the first occasion meringue-based bakes have comprised an entire instalment. Meringue and related desserts have appeared...