From: Kent
Job: Former nail technician
Hazel is a former nail technician who has been married to her childhood sweetheart for 51 years. She has a big family — four children and ten grandchildren. A super inventive baker, Hazel loves to add mechanical parts to her creations. She has even made several ‘car’ cakes complete with remote-controlled moving steering wheels and lights.
At first, Hazel was nervous to bake on camera. “The thought of it was frightening, but as you started baking, you seem to forget everything else around you, especially in my case! You do get used to them, but at the same time can be easily distracted by them,” she confessed to Radio Times of the Bake Off cameras.
Mark Bourdillon/Channel 4
Jeff
Age: 67
From: New York
Job: Former university lecturer
Jeff hails from the Bronx in New York, but moved to the UK with his wife in 1979. The pair had met while she was visiting America for a hitchhiking road trip. They are now based in Yorkshire. Jeff began baking for his children when they were young, inspired by his grandmother and great-grandmother, who had taught him as a child. Jeff is also incredibly active, and loves to swim, go to the gym and take long walks.
Mark Bourdillon/Channel 4
Illiyin
Age: 31