Sharon, Kim, Deli, Denise, Jennifer, (If I missed anyone It was not on purpose) It is so sweet that you guys come in here and answer all the questions us non-competitors have!!!! You guys are awesome!!!!

Yes, thanks to all for sharing. I've really enjoyed hearing about it, and it's made me wonder about a lot of the other food shows we see. It seems it really is all about the drama and the editing.

Sounds like everyone who took part greatly enjoyed it and would do it again given the chance. I am deeply impressed with anyone who can handle that kind of pressure. Great job to all

Hi, Marsha Winbeckler here.

Roland and I have been on Ultimate Cake Off both seasons. (Our latest episode airs April 5.)

They've improved several things this second season--including letting the teams keep their chef jackets.

We haven't found the bump on the ramp to be a big problem, because the structures for our cakes are very secure.

Sharon is right, the production part of the show takes a lot of time away for all team members with questions about how things were done (or could you redo that), but especially for the challenger for the skills test, tasting challenge, and results for each. The amount of time away hasn't been quite as long as Sharon experienced, but still considerable.

Sharon, you mentioned they "tried" to get you to make changes a few days before taping--did you refuse?

let's just say I put a firm limit on what I would and would not do.

I just thought of a question, how do they select the "client" for the episodes? Like the Sweet Sixteen girl......

I don't know the answer to that one but it's predetermined by the producers I'd imagine as to who the client will be and whatever event the cake is for has to be the day after the show is taped so the winning cake can be transported there.

KimAZ

awesome guys! thanks so much for answering the burning questions! i love to watch the challenges! thought a lot was made for tv drama...that's what makes it so great!! i'm curious, do the judges interfer alot? or offer suggestions? or do they just monitor and take notes?

This is one GREAT thread! Thanks to all of you great cakers for answering our questions - always wondered about: the ramp, hot lights, prep time, etc. and here's one more - who does your make-up? I assume the studio must, yet there are some pretty distinct differences. Does everyone sparkle a little because of all the glitter/luster dust in the air or is it your natural pixy dust personalitlies?

WOW .. what interesting info. I watch UCO every Monday night when I am at the gym (if it is on, of course). I LOVE IT!! I had some of the same questions and thought the same thing about the dramatic "bump" ... hehe. Thank you all for sharing. I am no where near an expert but I think it would be so much fun to be on the show someday!!

Thanks to the OP for the idea and to the competitors that were very nice to give their answers.

Gosh, I don't mean to be a thread hog by answering so much. I know there are several other UCO competitiors here at CC too.

But since I'm here...

The judges do come into each kitchen quite a lot, yes. They ask a lot of questions of the lead decorator from each team as to what people are working on, how much time it might take to do something, if the team is on schedule or behind, etc, etc. The do make suggestions but I don't believe a lot of plans are changed to what they might suggest since we all know our design and are not going to change from that once time starts.

The lead from each team gets taken out of their kitchens twice. Once for the skills challenge and once for the taste taste. Each of which can be from 20-30 min at least.

Each person does their own hair and make up. There is a make up/hair person for the judges though. Our team leader was wearing a hat just before the time started and the producers didn't like that so they made her take it off and had their hair person whip her hair up into a high ponytail.

Hope that helps answer a few more!
KimAZ