As the nights get darker and the weather gets colder, nothing quite welcomes in winter like tucking into an episode of The Great British Bake Off - and fans are in luck, as it is back with another instalment this week!

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Last month saw 12 new bakers all enter the competition keen to impress judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, and now just 10 remain in the famous white tent!

Among those bakers is Illiyin, who, after receiving the iconic Hollywood handshake, will be keen to impress once more.

Here's everything you need to know about Great British Bake Off contestant Illiyin.

Who is Illiyin?

Illiyin smiling and holding a sieve with flour pouring out of the bottom. She is wearing a stripy jumper.
Illiyin. Channel 4 / Mark Bourdillon

Age: 31

Job: Birth trauma specialist midwife

Location: Norfolk

Illiyin is a 31-year-old midwife from London, but grew up in Norfolk along side her seven siblings. Due to such a busy household, Illiyin helped her mum to bake and soon became the go-to in her family for birthday bakes.

Living in a community with various cultures, Illiyin is inspired by the ingredients and flavours of different cuisines, whether it be Middle Eastern or Caribbean.

A qualified midwife and published author, Illiyin freelances to help women as they embark on their parenthood.

What was Illiyin's reaction to being cast in The Great British Bake Off 2024?

Throughout the entire auditioning process, Illiyin "never foresaw" making it into this year's Bake Off cast, so when she got the call, she couldn't believe it.

"I was shocked for days," she said. "I was in my kitchen when I got the call and my sisters were with me. We were all waiting for the call!"

And then it was time to bake! Reflecting on her time in the tent, one of Illiyin's most memorable moments from the first episode was placing her mother's photo on her workbench.

"She would've been so excited I know it," she said. "It felt like she was there with me!"

The Great British Bake continues on Tuesday 8th October at 8pm on Channel 4.

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Authors

Katelyn MensahEntertainment and Factual Writer

Katelyn Mensah is the Entertainment and Factual Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.

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