Meet the Great British Bake Off 2017 contestants

The Great British Bake Off's new era on Channel 4 is finally here, so say hello to the 12 bakers that you'll no doubt obsess over for a couple of months, all hoping to be crowned the king or queen of the tent.

Yan was born in Hong Kong and moved to the UK when she was 2. She trained as a Biomedical Scientist and now works for The Francis Crick Institute as a Lab Research Scientist. She lives with her wife Marian and cat Kacey.

Originally from Sussex, Chris works as a software developer and lives with his wife Catherine. He is a cancer survivor, and is passionate about helping and inspiring others affected by the disease.

Flo met her late husband Richard aged 21 while working at a sausage factory, and started baking treats for their three children. After Richard died two years ago, her son Stephen encouraged her to start baking again. She is now retired, and is the show's oldest ever baker.

James lives with his wife Ann, two sons and their three chickens, and he works as a banker in Canary Wharf. He also trained as a port diver for the Royal Navy Reserves.

Originally from Siberia, Julia met her British husband Matt on holiday in Turkey aged 17. After moving to the UK, she spent three years studying British bakes in the hopes of appearing on the show.

Kate works as a Health and Safety Inspector, and also enjoys blacksmithing and restoring furniture. She started learning to bake two years ago, and prefers to use old-fashioned techniques.

Born in Hackney, Liam is known as 'Cake Boy' by his uni mates. One of his biggest ambitions is to make baking acceptable amongst his peers and the younger generation.

Peter is an IT Programme Manager, and lives with his wife Tito and their two children. Born in Brixton, he moved to Nigeria when he was 7, but moved back to the UK aged 24. He started baking eight years ago after feeling unwell due to buying shop bought bread.

Sophie grew up in Suffolk, and now lives with her boyfriend David and their cat Loki. After graduating with a Masters in Psychology at The University of Toulouse, Sophie joined the British Army as an Officer in the Royal Artillery.

Former school teacher Stacey lives with her husband James and their three sons. She enjoys using her Jewish heritage with her baking, including a traditional Challah every Friday night.

Steven has a background in marketing, and began baking after his mum taught him the basics 25 years ago, and has lost five stone since baking everything he eats.

Architect Tom lives with his partner David, and was taught to bake by his mother at a young age. He often makes fresh shortbread for friends and family.