Baking Show Producer Allegedly Ambushed and Deceptively Edited by Ruby Tandoh

The Great British Baking Show, a beloved cooking show known for its kind-hearted contestants and delectable bakes, has been a staple in many households. However, according to a recent essay by Ruby Tandoh, a contestant on Season 4 of the show in 2013, the reality behind the scenes wasn't always as sweet as it seemed.

Tandoh's essay, published in The New Yorker on August 25, 2025, provides an insightful look into the competitive world inside the tent. During the lull between challenges, contestants would gather in a cosy snug, exchanging baking tips and selectively sharing their experiences.

The essay also reveals that producers would sometimes bait contestants into narrating their struggles in real time during filming. This tactic, Tandoh claims, added a layer of drama to the show that wasn't always apparent on screen.

Kieran Smith, the executive producer of The Great British Baking Show in 2013, stated that the show's "kind" branding wasn't intentional, but rather a result of the unique personalities of the contestants. Smith, who is not mentioned in any earlier bullet points, is not known to have accompanied the producers during the filming of the show.

Contestants on the show, including Tandoh and Glenn Cosby, would sometimes sneak out for cigarettes to discuss challenges and producer ambushes. The essay also suggests that contestants could often predict the show's edit during filming, with longer clips of front-runners and those at risk of elimination being featured prominently.

As for the show's return, The Great British Baking Show will be back on Netflix for Collection 13 on September 5. New episodes will drop every Friday, giving fans another chance to witness the culinary skills and camaraderie of the contestants.

Tandoh's essay was published ahead of the September 9 release of her fifth book, All Consuming: Why We Eat the Way We Eat Now. The book is sure to delve deeper into the fascinating world of food and its impact on our lives.

The Great British Baking Show, with its sugar-sweet exterior and competitive core, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. But thanks to Tandoh's essay, we now have a glimpse into the reality behind the tent.