An Owen Sound, Ont., baker is taking her talents from Georgian Bay to the national stage, competing in a holiday-themed television bake-off. Diana Grocott, 30, owner of Sweet Stop in Owen Sound, is one of eight bakers competing on the second season of Holiday Bakeshop, premiering next month on Flavour Network. Grocott, who completed George Brown College’s two-year Baking and Pastry Arts program, has spent the past six years building a custom cake, cookie and cupcake business from her home. She will put her baking skills to the test in a series of high-stakes festive challenges, all with hopes of being crowned the season’s champion and taking home the $25,000 grand prize. Grocott tells CTV News she spotted the show’s casting call online and, encouraged by her husband, decided to apply. “I put my name in and didn’t think I’d get a call back,” she said. “I was kind of in shock. I wasn’t expecting to hear back from them. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” The competition is hosted by Canadian actress and comedian Lauren Ash, known for her roles on NBC’s Superstore and Not Dead Yet. Bakers will face judges Kareem “Mr. Bake” Queeman and Colin Asuncion. This season promises plenty of holiday cheer and a little bit of kitchen chaos. Competitors will be tasked with creating desserts inspired by cherished holiday traditions, cozy après-ski treats and even edible elf homes. They’ll also have to keep their cool through frosty challenges and tackle a secret mission for the North Pole. Grocott is one of three Ontario bakers competing this season, alongside Francena Jagroop and Jess Lee, both from Toronto. The remaining competitors come from British Columbia and the United States. Only three bakers will make it to the final showdown, where one will walk away with the title and $25,000. Holiday Bakeshop Season 2 premieres Sunday, Nov. 1 at 9 p.m.
