How old are the Junior Bake Off contestants? Ages revealed of the aspiring bakers

There are few things more depressing than watching the Junior Bake Off contestants create food that you couldn’t make if you have 20 years to practise.

The fact that it’s currently taking place in the most miserable January ever only exacerbates your own inadequacies.

Given this, viewers have two choices. Either we can be twisted and bitter about how much better the kids involved are than us. Or we can sit back and admire how incredibly talented these young cooks can be.

I think it’s better for everyone if we go with the latter.

But, exactly how old are the Junior Bake Off contestants? Here’s everything you need to know.

15-year-old Robbie is the oldest contestant in this year’s competition (Credit: Channel 4)

How old are the Junior Bake Off contestants?

The contestants in this series of Junior Bake Off, the contestants are aged between 10 and 15 years old.

The youngest competitors include 10-year-olds Fern, Naima, Sicily, Fyn and Charlie. The oldest contestant in this year’s Junior Bake Off competition is 15-year-old Robbie.

READ MORE: Where is Junior Bake Off filmed and can I visit?

On the surface, it might seem as though a five year age gap represents a significant advantage. However, the evidence so far suggests that the (comparative) youngsters are more than a match for the older bakers.

For instance, 10-year-old Fern has seriously impressed the judges after a shakey start, wowing them with her incredible choux pastry skills.

Interesting, this year is the first time that producers have increased the age bracket for Junior Bake Off. In previous years, only 10-12-year-olds were able to compete.

Fin won Junior Bake Off in 2019 (Credit: Channel 4)

Who won Junior Bake Off last year?

Putting pay to the suggestion that you have to be at least 15 to know what you’re doing in the kitchen, the Series 5 Junior Bake Off champion was the prodigiously talented 13-year-old Finley Woodward.

READ MORE: Is Bake Off 2021 cancelled? Latest updates on series

Impressing the judges with his all-round baking skills, Fin secured top spot with a stellar showstopper cake in the final.

In the aftermath of his victory, Fin said:

‘It was probably the most surreal thing that has ever happened to me!

“The pause between announcing ‘and the winner is’ to saying my name seemed to go on for ages.

“I was so overwhelmed as all the other bakers ran over to hug me. I pulled myself together and took the trophy from Liam. It was one of the best days of my life!”

Audiences will have to wait until next week to find out who will be joining him in the Junior Bake Off hall of fame.

Junior Bake Off judges Ravneet and Liam alongside Harry Hill (Credit: Channel 4)

Will there be a Junior Bake Off 2022?

Although nothing is certain, early indications suggest that Junior Bake Off will be back for another series.

In 2019, there were rumours that Channel 4 had axed the show. However, the appointment of a new judge in Ravneet Gill and the success of the 2019 and 2021 series suggests that there should be a bright future ahead.

READ MORE: Is Harry Hill a doctor and what are the Junior Bake Off host’s food credentials?

Historically, applications for Junior Bake Off take place early in the year. This should mean that we won’t have too long to wait before we find out whether it is actually going ahead.

As ever, we will keep you all up to date with the latest when we know more.

Do Junior Bake Off contestants get paid?

Just like the adult competition, competitors do not receive a salary for their time on the show.

In addition, unlike many other reality cooking contests, there is no cash prize for winning.

Instead, champions receive a special Bake Off trophy, flowers, and a whole heap of kudos for winning Britain’s most famous amateur baking competition.