When The Great British Baking Show returns to Netflix next week, the show will be welcoming its first ever deaf baker into the tent. 27-year-old Bristol native Tasha Stones will attack each and every challenge Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith throw her way alongside eleven other amateur bakers. The BBC has already confirmed that Stones will be accompanied by a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, who will be making sure that the competition is just as accessible for Tasha as it is for anyone else.
We first learned that The Great British Baking Show would be welcoming its first deaf contestant last month, when The Guardian published a behind-the-scenes look at the new season. While most headlines focused on the announcement that the show was nixing the controversial national themes in favor of more traditional fare, Tasha’s inclusion was mentioned off-handedly as an example of the show’s “long-standing inclusivity.”
According to the BBC, Tasha credited her BSL interpreter for allowing her the opportunity to compete on this season of The Great British Baking Show. “I couldn’t have done it without him and without the dedication from the show ensuring I had the same access as the other bakers,” she said. “Seeing him up at the front and feeling fully part of the show was a really special moment.”
The Great British Baking Show‘s official UK site and social media accounts revealed the new cast of bakers this morning. According to her official bio, “Tasha’s baking is fearless. She uses it as a way to express herself creatively, often embarking upon near-impossible designs – with impressive results!” Tasha is a participation officer, which means she works with kids and teens to help boost their confidence.
You can follow Tasha on Instagram @tasha_f_stones, where her bio simply describes herself as “Deaf AF.”
Also joining the Bake Off tent next week? New co-host Alison Hammond and new bakers Dana, Josh, Cristy, Abbi, Saku, Keith, Nicky, Amos, Matty, Dana, and Rowan. Past winners Rahul Mandal and Syabira Yusoff have already offered their warmest wishes on social media for the new bakers.
In his usual adorably verbose manner, Rahul commented: “A huge welcome to the bake off family. Congratulations for making to tent. You all are special and amazing in your own way and i love you all. We, all other previous bakers are and will always be your biggest supporters and cheerleaders. We will always be here for you all. If you ever wanted to have a chat just give us a shout. For the time being, just enjoy every moment of this amazing once in a life time experience ××××”
A slightly more laconic Syabira commented: “Welcome to the family!! I am looking forward to watch you all and don’t forget to enjoy and embrace it. You can never find another dozen of bakers bonded together and go through such a roller coaster. Need a chat? You know where to find me. LOVE YOU ALL! ❤️❤️”
A new season of The Great British Baking Show will premiere on Netflix next Friday, September 27.