Tom Allen and Liam Charles to join Bake Off: The Professionals

7 February 2018

Channel 4 today announced more details about the forthcoming Bake Off: The Professionals. Twelve professional duos from across the U.K. will go head to head in a series of competitive heats judged by celebrated pastry chefs Cherish Finden and Benoit Blin.

In each episode the expert pairs will be challenged to two rounds that will test their professional ability and allow them to showcase their creative flair. A new presenting line up of Tom Allen and Liam Charles will offer their own comedic take on events in the professional’s kitchen.

Tom Allen said:

“I am over the moon to be joining the Bake Off family and to be working with such a great team including my co-host Liam, the judges and some truly incredible professional patissiers (...is that how you spell it? Basically people who make cake for money). Finally! It feels like getting that A* in Food Technology GCSE was all worth it in the end!”

 

Liam Charles said:

“I’m totally amazed by the skill of professional chefs and to be doing this so soon after Bake Off, is just sick. I can’t wait to get cracking.  I told you I’d be back.”

 

Kelly Webb-Lamb, Deputy Director of Programmes, Channel 4 said:

“We are delighted to welcome Bake Off: The Professionals to Channel 4 and with it two new faces in their first presenting roles. Bake Off: The Professionals will combine the charm and tension of Bake Off with mouth-watering professional creations that will inspire viewers to experiment themselves.”

 

Tom Allen

Tom Allen is an award winning comedian best known for his unique style of sharp, acerbic wit and riotous storytelling.

 

Liam Charles

Twenty year old Liam came fifth in the last series of The Great British Bake Off but to many he was one of the shows standout stars. Liam’s enthusiasm for baking is infectious and his use of interesting flavours won him much praise from the judges and admiration from fans.

 

Cherish Finden

Cherish Finden is Creative Development Chef at Godiva Chocolates.

 

Benoit Blin

Benoit Blin is Chef Patissier at Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons.

 

It was announced that Bake Off: The Professionals would move to Channel 4 in October 2017. The 10x60 Love produced series will air on Channel 4 later this year. The series was commissioned by Commissioning Editors Sarah Lazenby and Vivienne Molokwu and Deputy Director of Programmes Kelly Webb-Lamb for Channel 4. It will be executive produced for Love Productions by Kieran Smith.

 

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