Bookies have made 27-year-old Josh from Leicestershire the favourite to win the new series of Great British Bake-Off, as the hit show returns to screens next week.

At 9/4 with Paddy Power, Josh is rated most likely to be this year’s star baker, while vegetable grower, Abbi, is also a short 11/4 to pick up the top prize.

Intelligence analyst, Saku, is another contestant who may rise to the challenge, according to the cheeky Irish bookie (3/1).

But the ‘wooden spoon’ is likely to be reserved for Personal Assistant, Cristy, or Database Administrator, Dana – both priced at a lengthy 33/1.

Rachael Kane, spokesperson for Paddy Power, said: “Looking at the line-up for this year’s series of the Great British Bake-Off, Josh is looking like a legend in the baking, so he’s our favourite for 2023.

“But, with the likes of Cristy and Dana having some far longer odds, their hopes of victory may crumble pretty quickly.”

GREAT BRITISH BAKE-OFF 2023 WINNER
9/4 Josh
11/4 Abbi
3/1 Saku
6/1 Keith
8/1 Nicky
12/1 Dan
14/1 Rowan
20/1 Tasha
20/1 Matty
25/1 Amos
33/1 Cristy
33/1 Dana