stand up to cancer bake off 2026 returns with a high-profile celebrity cast for a Channel 4 special that premieres on March 22, 2026 at 3: 40 PM ET. The first episode opens with a breakfast-pastry and matcha-and-yuzu biscuits challenge, followed by a creativity task asking contestants to recreate the strangest places they’ve slept in cake form. The series pairs judges Paul Hollywood and Cherish Finden with presenters Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, all competing in support of the Stand Up To Cancer initiative.
Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off 2026 line-up
The confirmed roster mixes reality stars, musicians, comedians and broadcasters. From the batch highlighted in initial coverage: JoJo Siwa, described as a singer and dancer who rose to fame on Dance Moms; Molly-Mae Hague, described as an influencer and businesswoman who first appeared on Love Island; Vicky Pattison, described as a TV personality, radio host and author; Scott Mills, described as a radio DJ and presenter; Sam Thompson, described as a TV personality best known for Made in Chelsea; and Rag’n’Bone Man, named Rory Charles Graham, described as a singer.
Additional entrants named for the series include comedians and returning contestants invited back for a special reunion: Rose Matafeo, Tom Davis, Judi Love, Roisin Conaty, Jon Richardson and Joe Wilkinson, the only returning winner. The wider line-up also lists Emmett J Scanlan; Aston Merrygold; Edith Bowman; Ralf Little; Richard Herring; Babatunde Aleshe; Mark Wright; Nella Rose; Mutya Buena; Rose Ayling-Ellis; Alex Brooker; and Ambika Mod. The programme combines novices and past competitors in episodes that each feature a fresh set of celebrities taking on the tent’s signature baking tests.
Judges, hosts and episode format
Judging duties fall to Paul Hollywood and Cherish Finden, the latter noted as a pastry chef and judge from Bake Off: The Professionals. Presenting is handled by Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond. The opening episode tasks the first group of celebrities with breakfast pastries and matcha-and-yuzu biscuits, then challenges them to translate unusual sleeping locations into cake. The series follows a weekly episode format with rotating celebrity contestants aiming for the Star Baker title while supporting the Stand Up To Cancer initiative.
What’s next
Expect the series to unfold as a mix of comic pressure and creative baking tests, with returning comedians forming a reunion episode and a mix of new celebrity entrants in subsequent installments. Watch for the interplay between established contestants and newcomers as judges Paul Hollywood and Cherish Finden assess technical skill and imagination. The Channel 4 special premieres March 22, 2026 at 3: 40 PM ET; viewers should look for weekly episodes featuring new celebrity groups competing for the Star Baker accolade and raising funds for the cause. The stand up to cancer bake off 2026 run will likely reveal which returning competitors can reclaim glory and which newcomers surprise the judges in the weeks ahead.
