Junior Bake Off 2026: Channel 4’s new run starts 5 January

Introduction

The return of junior baking competition shows remains a draw for family audiences and aspiring young bakers. Junior Bake Off 2026 recommences on Channel 4 at a time when the Bake Off franchise continues to be a prominent fixture in UK television schedules. Its early-January slot and weekday evening timing make it a likely choice for viewers seeking light, skill-based entertainment at the start of the year.

Main details

Schedule and broadcast

Junior Bake Off 2026 starts on Monday 5 January 2026 and will air on weekdays at 5pm on Channel 4. The weekday scheduling positions the show as an accessible, after-school and early-evening programme aimed at families and younger viewers.

Franchise context and recent history

The junior edition is part of the wider Great British Bake Off family. The parent series moved from the BBC in 2017 and has continued on Channel 4 since. Notable moments from the adult series’ run on Channel 4 include a fifth series in 2019 presented by Harry Hill with Prue Leith and Liam Charles on the judging panel, and a sixth series that aired on 11 January 2021 when Ravneet Gill replaced Prue Leith. Subsequent series of the adult Bake Off aired on 16 January 2023 (eighth series), 2 January 2024 (ninth series) and the tenth series ran from 6 January to 24 January 2025. The eleventh series of the parent show was scheduled to air on 5 January 2026 on Channel 4, aligning the timing of both junior and adult editions at the start of the year.

Episode highlights

Early reporting on Junior Bake Off 2026 indicates that Episode 8 will be Bread Day, described by viewers as the ultimate “bread doesn’t lie” challenge. Bread Day episodes are often noted for testing technical skill and precision, making them standout instalments in the competition format.

Conclusion

Junior Bake Off 2026 arrives in a familiar slot designed to reach family audiences and continues the franchise’s Channel 4 era. With a weekday 5pm broadcast from 5 January and a Bread Day episode among its line-up, the series is likely to deliver both accessible viewing and technically demanding challenges. For viewers and aspiring young bakers, the series offers a predictable, engaging start to the television year and another opportunity to follow new junior talent within the broader Bake Off tradition.