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First look pictures see the famous Great British Bake Off tent erected in the grounds of Down Hall Hotel in Essex as filming kicked off for the 12th series this month.
Images see the large white marquee set up in the sprawling green gardens of the luxurious 98 bedroom historic property, where the judges, cast and crew quarantined ahead of the new series.
Aerial views also show various other temporary buildings, outhouses and tents set up around the hotel, which includes Shepherds’ huts for judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, as well as hosts Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding.
It’s up! First look pictures see the famous Great British Bake Off tent erected in the grounds of Down Hall Hotel in Essex as filming kicked off for the 12th series this month
The snaps also give a further glimpse of the stunning property’s grounds which features tennis courts, a grand fountain and perfectly manicured lawns.
And it appears that show bosses ensured they had everything they need to ensure this year’s series runs smoothly and safely amid covid-19 restrictions, with a medical van spotted nearby.
It comes as it’s been reported that bosses are taking no chances amid the pandemic this year, with the cast having isolated in the swanky hotel, which has been designed to reflect ‘grandeur, elegance and character’.
Ready, set, bake! Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, as well as hosts Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding are set for a new series
Reports last month claimed the stars were staying at the abode from mid May until the start of July, with the new series set to air at the end of summer and into the autumn.
A source told The Sun at the time: ‘A source said: ‘Although many of the rules and regulations that made filming difficult are now easing, the producers of the show wanted to be extra cautious.
‘Lockdown is still set to fully lift next month, but changing events could mean that doesn’t happen, or restrictions that have recently eased could be brought back into force.
Stunning: Images see the large white marquee set up in the sprawling green gardens of the luxurious 98 bedroom historic property, where the judges, cast and crew quarantined ahead of the new series
A place to chill: Aerial views also show various other temporary buildings, outhouses and tents set up around the hotel, which includes Shepherds’ huts for judges and hosts
Iconic: The famous Bake Off tent was up and ready for the first day of filming for series 12
There it is: The tent was nestled in the sprawling ground of the Essex grounds, all set for the next batch of baking hopefuls
‘But this covers them for any eventuality — it also means they’ll enjoy a rather nice retreat too.’
The hotel’s website says of the rooms: ‘The Classic and Executive bedrooms are spacious and comfortable, whilst our Feature rooms enjoy stunning views across the landscaped gardens.
Series 11 of the mega-popular cooking contest was delayed amid the ongoing pandemic, with filming shortened to six weeks.
What a view: Pictures show further glimpse of the 98-room hotel and spa, where the judges and contestants have been based
What luxury: The snaps also give a further glimpse of the stunning property’s grounds which features tennis courts
Private: Down Hall, the location for this year’s show, is surrounded by a plethora of trees
Beautiful: The opulent accommodation features a grand fountain and perfectly manicured lawns
The cast and crew had to live in a ‘self-contained biosphere’ – also at Down Hall Hotel in Bishop’s Stortford.
This was a change in location – with the show previously shot at Welford Park in Berkshire.
Host Matt Lucas recently said: ‘Like last year, we’re going into a bubble.
Safety first: And it appears that show bosses ensured they had everything they need to ensure this year’s series runs smoothly and safely amid covid-19 restrictions, with a medical van spotted nearby
All set: Things are in place for the brand new series of the Channel 4 baking show
Set up: A smaller marquee and an array of cabins could be seen in the grounds of the hotel
Busy: While several cars and a truck could be seen parked nearby
Keep out: A huge iron gate guards the goings on inside as 12 brand new contestants gear up to impress the judges this year
‘All self-isolating and getting tested and then we’re going into a Covid-free bubble, so we can all taste each other’s bakes and there can be handshakes and all sorts.’
That’s if they can drag themselves out of the spa long enough to make the show.’
Last year, the show was won by Peter Sawkins, with Laura Adlington and Dave Friday finishing as the runners-up.
Wow: It comes as it’s been reported that bosses are taking no chances amid the pandemic this year, with the cast having isolated in the swanky hotel, which has been designed to reflect ‘grandeur, elegance and character’
Fabulous: Reports last month claimed the stars were staying at the abode from mid May until the start of July, with the new series set to air at the end of summer and into the autumn
Precautions: ‘A source said: ‘Although many of the rules and regulations that made filming difficult are now easing, the producers of the show wanted to be extra cautious’
Production: Series 11 of the mega-popular cooking contest was delayed amid the ongoing pandemic, with filming shortened to six weeks
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