Zara McDermott, the documentary presenter and former Love Island contestant, has been confirmed as a participant in the upcoming tenth series of The Great Celebrity Bake Off on Channel 4. The show, which supports the Stand Up To Cancer fundraising campaign, is set to air in spring 2027.
McDermott, 29, has already completed filming for the series. This marks her first reality television appearance since competing in the 2023 edition of Strictly Come Dancing, where she was partnered with dancer Graziano di Prima. The pair were the fifth couple eliminated from the competition. Following the show, reports and video footage emerged revealing instances of verbal and physical mistreatment by di Prima during rehearsals, including him kicking McDermott. The dancer was subsequently dismissed by BBC management. McDermott described viewing the footage as “incredibly distressing.”
Known for her candid documentary work on BBC3, where she has explored subjects such as eating disorders, revenge porn, stalking, and the negative aspects of holiday destinations including Ibiza and Thailand, McDermott brings a strong public profile to the Bake Off tent. She also shares a passion for baking through her social media channels, where she engages her two million followers by posting recipes. One notable creation included a two-tier jungle-themed Victoria sponge and lemon sponge cake made for her nephew’s birthday.
A source close to the show described her as the “perfect” contestant, citing her genuine enthusiasm for baking and engaging personality. McDermott follows in the footsteps of her ex-partner, Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson, who previously appeared on the Celebrity Bake Off.
The series will be hosted by Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, with judging duties carried out by Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood. Other celebrities rumored to participate include Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke, rugby player Joe Marler, and Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley.
McDermott’s involvement in the show aligns with her commitment to charitable causes. She has spoken openly about her mother Karen’s battle with breast cancer, which she survived twice. In 2020, McDermott promoted breast cancer awareness through the Pink Ribbon Foundation, highlighting the cause as “close to my heart.” Her boyfriend of 18 months, singer Louis Tomlinson, is also a supporter. Tomlinson’s mother, Johannah, died from an aggressive form of leukaemia in 2010 at age 43.
Stand Up To Cancer is a collaborative effort between Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, aiming to raise funds for cancer research through entertainment programming such as The Great Celebrity Bake Off.