Great British Bake Off 2024: Meet Christiaan - the stylish Dutch baker who calls London home

The Great British Bake Off returns to our screens tonight as 12 new contestants enter the iconic tent.

Among those hoping to impress judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood is 33-year-old menswear designer Christiaan.

Born in Emmen, a small town in The Netherlands, Christiaan studied fashion in Amsterdam and then moved to the UK seven years ago, arriving in London to work for a leading fashion brand.

He is passionate about visiting modern art galleries and stately homes.

He loves nurturing his veg patch and dancing away in his kitchen to his favourite pop tunes!

His eye for fashion and design is definitely something he brings to his bakes, which are meticulously detailed and beautiful, as well as his love of gardening – floral scents and citrus notes are among his favourite flavours.

Bread is where he finds comfort – reminding him of the age-shaped bakes his mum would make for him and his siblings on their birthdays.

According to the Radio Times, when Christiaan found out he had gotten through to the series, he "just screamed".

"I was home alone so I quickly called my boyfriend right after, which resulted in more screaming,” he said.

You can follow Christiaan on Instagram under the handle @christiaan.de.vries

Watch Bake Off at 9pm on Channel 4 tonight.