Aprons at the ready - The Great British Bake Off is finally back on our screens.
Returning for another year, everyone's favourite tent is welcoming in a whole new host of amateur bakers to face the expert judgement of Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood. With Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond bringing the energy and outfit inspiration, the show is no doubt set to serve up soggy bottoms, showstoppers, and at least one infamous Hollywood handshake.
Among this year's bakers hoping to make it all the way is Jessika, who's already proving a fan favourite. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), one viewer wrote, 'Just finishing the first episode of Bake Off and deciding that my picks for top three are Tom, Jessika, and Nataliia. Possibly even in that order...'
And if Jessika can teach us anything, it's to never give up on your dreams. In fact, the baker applied for the Channel 4 show three times before getting the green light. Opening up about joining the show, Jessika said, 'When I got the call confirming my place, I couldn't quite believe it. I was alone at my friend's house, so it was just me on my own, flapping about. But that night I was heading out to a Broadway nightclub event. What a way to close out a wild day.'
With The Great British Bake Off now back, here's everything you need to know about Jessika - from her unusual flavour pairings to her drag king persona.
Who is Jessika from The Great British Bake Off?
Jessika describes herself as an ambitious baker, who's main goal is to push boundaries - both in the kitchen and outside of it.
Gifting bakes is her love language, and she's no doubt set to summon some mixed reactions from our judges. Her signature style is all about fusing unusual flavours together, such as salted mango caramel and cardamom, or Jerusalem artichoke caramel with a dark chocolate mousse.
Revealing on social media that she'll be appearing on the show, Jessika wrote, 'Golly! The cake is FINALLYYY out of the oven! I can't believe I'm saying this, but this girl actually made it into the tent! As an amateur baker, this is something I've wanted for the longest time, and still can't believe it's happened.'
'As someone who can be a bit of a worrier, I'm absolutely terrified to watch it back... but also SO excited! So come join the fun, watch me make a mess, and whisk it all on The Great British Bake Off.'
Where is Jessika from?
Although now living in London, Jessika was raised in Cornwall. The 32-year-old Bake Off star says her sweet tooth began in childhood, having fond memories of eating corner-shop cakes with her sister after dance classes.
What does Jessika do for work?
By day, Jessika works as a service designer. By night, Jessika is a gymnastic, roller-skating Drag King! One of this year's openly queer contestants, Jessika is the show's first ever drag king.
What are Jessika's strengths and weaknesses?
She views her creativity and attention to detail as strengths in the kitchen, saying, 'I love pushing boundaries with flavours and adding those little extra details that make a bake feel special.'
As for her weaknesses, Jessika admits she can get 'a bit carried away with ideas,' which sometimes leaves her short for time.
Does Jessika have Instagram?
Yes! You can follow her over on Instagram @jesssssikka, where she often posts her mouth-watering bakes.
Charlotte Roberts is a news and entertainment writer at Grazia UK. She spends her days covering everything celebrity, culture, and entertainment.