Let them eat cake

PICK DAY

Channel 4, 8pm NEVER before have soggy bottoms been quite so appealing as they are on Bake Off. And with a batch of amateur celebs taking part, we’re likely to see a fair few.

This annual star-studded series, fronted as ever by Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding, with judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, features five episodes for Stand Up To Cancer.

And the four foolhardy }celebrities stepping up to the plate first are Hollywood actor John Lithgow, comedian Jon Richardson, Paralympian Hannah Cockroft, and outrageous funnyman Russell Brand.

“We’re going to be judged. I’m an actor and we don’t like that,” says John.

Meanwhile, Hannah talks about lucky underwear, while infamous worrier Jon wonders if he will have time to tidy up his kitchen area.

The first challenge is a bake sale classic – they must make 12 identical brownies. Jon goes vegan, while Russell has a footballing theme, Hannah styles out some cookies and cream brownies and John has an American and a British take for his.

It doesn’t all go to plan. “My brownies are like me – square, bitter and very unpleasant to be around,” admits Jon.

Prue’s technical challenge is a Swiss roll, striped orange and black in Stand Up To Cancer colours and stuffed with jam and cream.

By the end, some of the efforts served up look as if they’ve been sat on.

And for the showstopper, the bakers must create a 3D biscuit scene of their best performance.

Watch out for a Yoda impression, a curried donkey, a hunt for apricot jam and an expression of womanhood.

Tune in and don’t forget to donate.