'Bake off' is back! The much-loved baking competition begins its ninth series tonight.

This will be the second year for the show at its new home with Channel 4, presented by Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig.

But what really goes on behind the scenes of the hit cookery show? Well here are some things you probably didn't know about the amateur bakers.

1. The entry process is tough. Each of the potential participants have to fill out a seven-page application form, before going through a rigorous interview process, which includes assessment by a psychologist to ensure that they deal well with pressure.

2. They are informed of each challenge before the show even begins, and they submit their proposals for their ideas beforehand.

3. This year there will reportedly be a vegan challenge, as well as a Danish week, in honour of presenter Sandi Toksvig's home country.

4. The summer heatwave wrought havoc on the cakes, as 30-plus degree heat is less than ideal for baking. Noel Fielding himself said "I almost got a tan, which is really disturbing for me".

5. Filming often takes over 12 hours per day, and contestants are interviewed about eight times.

6. A Victoria Sponge is baked in each oven, every day, just to ensure that every single one is working properly.

7. In 2015, the bakers used 1,600 eggs, 130kg of flour, and 150kg of sugar.

You can watch the new series tonight (August 28) at 8pm on Channel 4.