Bake-off TV test Slovak style for Lenka
A University of Bradford staff member is gearing up for TV stardom as a contestant on the Slovakian version of The Great British Bake-off.
Lenka Kaur is one of 12 contestants on the new series of the Slovak version of the long-running programme, called Pecie cele Slovensko, which translates to ‘The Whole of Slovakia is Baking’.
Lenka’s work is scrutinised by the show’s judges. Images credit: STVR
Lenka filmed the series in her native Slovakia earlier this year and the episodes will be broadcast in Slovakia every Sunday from October 5. But she is keeping tight-lipped about how far she progressed in the series.
Lenka, an Access and Participation Co-ordinator at the University, said: “It was a crazy thing to be part of. It was a fantastic opportunity. My friends submitted the application for me.
“Taking part in the show has given me a boost. I feel like I can do anything now. It has opened my eyes and taught me that there is more to life. I have rediscovered my love of baking.
“It’s a family show in Slovakia, even children watch it. I knew about the show, and I’ve always watched the British version.”
Lenka Kaur in the tent on Pecie cele Slovensko. Images credit: STVR
How the show works
Pecie cele Slovensko is similar to the Great British Bake-Off. The Slovak version is set in a tent in the grounds of the Theresia Chateau and each episode has three weekly baking challenges which are judged.
But the challenges are slightly different – the opening ‘Personal Challenge’ sees each baker produce their take on that week’s programme theme, the second task remains the same ‘Technical Challenge’ where the participants are not told what they have to bake beforehand, and the final ‘Showstopper’ is re-named the ‘Creative Challenge’.
Each week a baker is voted off by the programme’s judges with a winner crowned following the final.
Lenka Kaur has swapped the University of Bradford for Slovakia for her TV appearance. Images credit: STVR
More on Lenka
Lenka says she started baking with her grandmother in Slovakia when she was eight and previously ran her own small baking business from home.
She moved to the UK from Slovakia in 2002 to study BA (Hons) Business and Management at the University of Bradford and later joined as a staff member.
Lenka added her speciality bake for family and friends is a pistachio cake with mascarpone, buttercream and raspberries.
A crew from the programme filmed Lenka on campus, at Roberts Park in Saltaire and at her home for extra footage for the show.
Lenka’s journey from University of Bradford student to contestant on Slovakia’s version of The Great British Bake-Off reflects the University’s strategy to empower individuals through inclusive and transformative experiences. Her story highlights the University’s commitment to nurturing talent, celebrating diversity, and inspiring global impact, core values that drive the University’s vision for 2025-2035.