Set to air on Lifestyle FOOD this summer, the launch episode of the latest season of The Great British Bake Off was a ratings success in the UK this week, attracting an average audience of 6.5 million viewers on Tuesday night.

The debut episode of the rebooted series was the first to air on its new home on Channel 4, since the award-winning show moved from the BBC after seven successful seasons – and its new presenting line-up won over both viewers and critics on launch night.

The new series features returning judge and fan favourite Paul Hollywood, alongside a brand new judge, esteemed restaurateur and food writer Prue Leith.

Joining the judges are two new presenters, the beloved and utterly hilarious comedians Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig, as well as the all-important twelve amateur bakers.

Said Hannah Barnes, General Manager of Foxtel’s Lifestyle Channels, “The Great British Bake Off has been a true audience favourite for Lifestyle viewers over the past seven seasons and these latest ratings figures prove it remains one of Britain’s national treasures.

“The anticipation amongst our viewers to watch this new season has never been greater. Summer is the perfect time to bring the nicest show on television to Australia on Lifestyle.”

The Great British Bake Off is the ultimate baking battle where passionate amateur baking fans compete to be crowned the UK’s Best Amateur Baker.

Over the course of 10 episodes, the series follows the trials and tribulations of the competitors, young and old, from every background and every corner of Britain, as they attempt to prove their baking prowess.

Each week the bakers tackle a different baking skill, which become progressively more difficult as the competition unfolds.

The Great British Bake off is produced by Love Productions for Channel 4 and season 8 will air exclusively in Australia this summer on Foxtel’s Lifestyle FOOD.

Lifestyle FOOD will also premiere the third season of the smash-hit local version of the series, The Great Australian Bake Off, this summer.