TV & FilmCBSThe Great British Bake OffJeff Foxworthy

'The American Baking Competition': CBS Announces Cast And First Photos For New Reality Cooking Show

CBS Announces Cast For 'The American Baking Competition'
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CBS has unveiled its cast for "The American Baking Competition," network TV's latest cooking contest, which is set to premiere Wednesday, May 29 at 8 p.m. ET.

The show's format sees the contestants competing in three challenges each week: “Signature Bake,” “Technical Bake” and “Showstopper Bake.” The best competitor each week is dubbed the episode's "Star Baker," while one of their less impressive cohorts will be eliminated. The prize includes a publishing contract with Simon & Schuster for the baker to create his or her own cookbook, and $250,000 cash.

The cast is comprised of 10 amateur bakers chosen from a nationwide search. The six female and four male contestants come from a diverse array of backgrounds, with professions ranging from firefighter to photographer to attorney to home health care provider and college student to retiree.

Based on the hit UK series "The Great British Bake-Off," the CBS version will be hosted by comedian Jeff Foxworthy and judged by Chef Marcela Valladolid and Paul Hollywood, who currently serves as a judge on the original series across the pond.

Check out the slideshow below to see the first photos from the series and to learn more about the contestants:

The American Baking Competition
'The American Baking Competition' Cast(01 of14)
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Name: Brian EmmettAge: 43Current Residence: Itasca, Ill.(Originally from Glendale Heights, Ill.)Occupation: Owner of a Marketing/Advertising CompanyBaking Specialties: Breads, pies, cookies, savory baked goods and pastries (credit:CBS)
'The American Baking Competition' Cast(02 of14)
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Name: Carlo FudaAge: 35Current Residence: Stamford, Conn.(Originally from Elwood City, Pa.)Occupation: Social Marketing ConsultantBaking Specialties: Zeppole, cheesecake and cupcakes (credit:CBS)
'The American Baking Competition' Cast(03 of14)
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Name: Darlene PawlukowskyAge: 51Current Residence: Johns Creek, Ga.Occupation: Project ManagerBaking Specialties: Cakes and cookies (credit:CBS)
'The American Baking Competition' Cast(04 of14)
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Name: Effie D. SahihiAge: 40Current Residence: Henderson, Tenn.(Born in Israel and raised in Winter Haven, Fla.)Occupation: AttorneyBaking Specialties: Cakes, tarts and breads (credit:CBS)
'The American Baking Competition' Cast(05 of14)
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Name: Elaine FranciscoAge: 63Current Residence: Claremont, Calif.Occupation: RetiredBaking Specialties: Breads, pies and cakes (credit:CBS)
'The American Baking Competition' Cast(06 of14)
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Name: Francine BrysonAge: 44Current Residence: Pickens, S.C.Baking Specialties: Pies, cakes and quiche (credit:CBS)
'The American Baking Competition' Cast(07 of14)
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Name: James ReddickAge: 26Current Residence: Hollywood(Originally from Indianapolis, Ind.)Occupation: PhotographerBaking Specialties: Pies, cookies and pastries (credit:CBS)
'The American Baking Competition' Cast(08 of14)
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Name: Jeremy CrossAge: 35Current Residence: San Diego, Calif.Occupation: FirefighterBaking Specialties: Cookies, cakes and pies (credit:CBS)
'The American Baking Competition' Cast(09 of14)
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Name: Kolette BiddleAge: 30Current Residence: Norco, Calif.Occupation: Home Health Care ProviderBaking Specialties: Cookies, pies, cakes and tarts (credit:CBS)
'The American Baking Competition' Cast(10 of14)
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Name: Whitney Appleton BeeryAge: 21Current Residence: Lubbock, Texas(Originally from Castle Rock, Colo.)Occupation: College StudentBaking Specialties: Cupcakes, cakes and scones (credit:CBS)
'The American Baking Competition' Cast(11 of14)
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(credit:CBS)
'The American Baking Competition' Cast(12 of14)
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(credit:CBS)
'The American Baking Competition' Cast(13 of14)
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(credit:CBS)
'The American Baking Competition' Cast(14 of14)
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Host Jeff Foxworthy. (credit:CBS)

Will you watch "The American Baking Competition"?

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