Key Points
Channel 4 announced 24 celebrities, including Molly-Mae Hague and JoJo Siwa, will compete in the 2026 Great British Bake Off Stand Up To Cancer special.
Cherish Finden joins Paul Hollywood as judge for the special, with Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding returning as presenters.
The Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off special is scheduled to air weekly during spring 2026 on Channel 4.
Mixing bowls, aprons, and a hefty dose of celebrity sparkle: The Great British Bake Off is back with its much-anticipated Stand Up To Cancer special, and the 2026 line-up is nothing short of dazzling. Channel 4 has confirmed that 24 famous faces will step into the iconic tent, ready to whisk, knead, and bake their way through a series of challenges—all for a cause that’s close to many hearts.
On February 4, 2026, fans learned the full roster of participants, and it’s a veritable who’s who from across the worlds of television, music, comedy, and even sport. Reality star and influencer Molly-Mae Hague, who’s never shy about her love of baking, is set to make her Bake Off debut. According to Evoke, Molly-Mae called the experience “genuinely one of the best experiences of my life,” adding, “Being on one of my favourite shows EVER, while raising awareness for such an important cause was beyond special. I can’t wait for you guys to see the show.”
She’s not the only one brimming with excitement. American singer and dancer JoJo Siwa, fresh from her stint on Celebrity Big Brother, is the only U.S. contestant this year. Fans were thrilled to spot her in the official cast announcement, and JoJo herself shared a peek behind the scenes on Instagram. As reported by Parade, she wrote, “Middle of last year I was asked to be a part of one of the most iconic shows in the world…. @britishbakeoff! The experience was so cool, and truly lives up to the expectation!” She even teased, “I’m so very excited for you all to see the disaster/masterpiece of me baking.”
Joining Molly-Mae and JoJo are a host of other well-known personalities. The list includes BBC Radio 2 Breakfast host Scott Mills, pop star and songwriter Rag’n’Bone Man (Rory Graham), Sugababes singer Mutya Buena, JLS’s Aston Merrygold, and TOWIE alum Mark Wright. The comedy contingent is strong, too, with Richard Herring, Joe Wilkinson, Babatunde Aléshé, Tom Davis, Jon Richardson, and Roisin Conaty all ready to trade punchlines for piping bags. TV personalities Vicky Pattison, Rose Matafeo, Nella Rose, Judi Love, and Sam Thompson will also compete, alongside actor Ralf Little, broadcaster Edith Bowman, soap star and Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis, and Netflix’s Ambika Mod. Rounding out the group is Irish actor Emmett J. Scanlan, known for his roles in Kin and the upcoming How To Get To Heaven From Belfast.
The show’s judging panel is also seeing a shake-up. Cherish Finden, a renowned pastry chef and former judge on Bake Off: The Professionals, is joining Paul Hollywood at the judges’ table. Cherish shared her excitement with Evoke: “I am delighted to be joining Paul in judging Celebrity Bake Off for SU2C. Stepping from the professional kitchen into the famous Bake Off tent felt like my first day of school – my heart was racing and I had butterflies in my tummy! Whilst I definitely haven’t left my ruler at home, judging these wonderful celebrities is about more than just precision; it’s about spreading joy and supporting a meaningful cause. To be part of SU2C and see the contestants push themselves out of their comfort zone for such a good cause was simply brilliant.”
Fans of the main show will also notice another big change later this year, as Nigella Lawson is set to replace Prue Leith as a judge on the standard series. But for the Stand Up To Cancer special, it’s Cherish and Paul who will decide which celebrity rises to the occasion and whose cake falls flat.
Presenting duties remain in the capable hands of Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, who return to guide the celebrities through the Signature, Technical, and Showstopper challenges. Their signature blend of wit and warmth is sure to keep spirits high, even if the soufflés sink.
While Channel 4 has yet to confirm an exact air date, the special is slated for spring 2026. If previous years are anything to go by, episodes will air weekly, delivering a steady stream of laughter, drama, and—of course—plenty of cake. According to Radio Times, the 2025 celebrity special began in mid-March, so fans can likely expect a similar schedule this time around.
The Great British Bake Off’s Stand Up To Cancer special isn’t just about entertainment. At its core, it’s a fundraising effort for cancer research, with celebrities stepping outside their comfort zones to help raise awareness and much-needed funds. As Cherish Finden emphasized, “judging these wonderful celebrities is about more than just precision; it’s about spreading joy and supporting a meaningful cause.”
Social media buzz has been strong since the announcement. JoJo Siwa’s participation, in particular, caught fans off guard—in the best way. Comments on the official Bake Off Instagram ranged from “Whoever booked Jojo Siwa is a legend” to “Omg @itsjojosiwa and @mollymae on the same show! Can’t wait!” Even Siwa’s boyfriend, Chris Hughes, joined in, calling her “What a beauty!”
The inclusion of such a diverse group of celebrities means viewers can expect a wide range of baking abilities and styles. From Molly-Mae’s family birthday cakes to Rag’n’Bone Man’s soulful serenades (perhaps even in the tent), the show promises both heart and humor. And let’s not forget the competitive spirit—Mark Wright, for instance, is rumored to be practicing his bakes at home, perhaps with wife Michelle Keegan as a willing taste tester.
For those curious about how the Bake Off operates behind the scenes, Radio Times shared some fun tidbits. Contestants must apply through a rigorous process, including interviews, baking tests, and even a psychological assessment to ensure they can handle the pressure. Filming is intense—up to 16 hours a day over weekends, with 50 crew members on set and home economists spending 160 hours hand-washing dishes because a dishwasher would be too noisy for filming. And while the celebrity special is all about fun and charity, the main series’ application process is famously demanding—perhaps making the tent’s camaraderie even sweeter.
As for the challenges themselves, they’ll be familiar to Bake Off fans: the Signature, where bakers put their personal spin on a classic; the Technical, which tests their skills and nerves with a surprise recipe; and the Showstopper, where creativity and ambition collide. With so many personalities in one tent, there’s bound to be a mix of triumphs, mishaps, and unforgettable moments.
Ultimately, while only one celebrity can claim the coveted Star Baker apron, the real winner is the Stand Up To Cancer campaign. The show’s unique blend of lighthearted competition and heartfelt purpose continues to resonate with viewers and participants alike. As Molly-Mae Hague put it, “Thank you Bake Off for making a dream of mine come true.”
With a line-up this strong and a cause this vital, the 2026 Celebrity Bake Off special looks set to be a highlight of the spring TV calendar. Keep your eyes peeled for the official air date—because if there’s one thing Bake Off fans know, it’s that you never want to miss a showstopper.