It’s time I showed I can do more than just bake
Former Bake Off star Liam Charles tells LAUREN TAYLOR about showing people his savoury side
ALMOST no graduates land a dream career straight out of university, and Liam Charles can’t quite believe his luck. The Great British Bake Off quarter-finalist – humble and a natural in front of the camera – instantly won hearts on the 2017 series, and at just 19 was one of the youngest contestants the show had ever seen.
The former drama student graduated from Goldsmiths University last December, yet he’s had more TV work since Bake Off than many of the show’s winners – being a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals two years running (“insane”) and Junior Bake Off this year, as well as hosting his own six-part series Liam Bakes, last year. Now, he’s published his second cookbook – Second Helpings. “What the hell is going on? I’m only 22, you know!” he exclaims with a laugh. While most will know Liam for sweet treats, his new offering is split down the middle: 50% savoury, 50% sweet.
“It’s pretty much a reflection of how I eat on a daily basis,” he says. “I thought It was about time I showed some people I’m not just a baker.” Second Helpings is packed with comfort food, generous sharing meals, lighter salads, soups and juices and, of course, loads of pudding – almost always with a creative twist. There’s a cottage cheeseburger pie, a chicken katsu doughnut, and a dessert lasagne. It’s also written exactly how Charles comes across in real life – so relaxed he’s almost horizontal – with plenty of personality.
He says: “My style’s pretty laid-back. Every recipe that I try to make has to have a personal connection because if I don’t have that, there’s no point in doing it.”
His rice pudding holders – rice pudding inside a sponge, with a jammy dodger base and topped with rice pudding buttercream and jam – are an elaborate version of a childhood favourite.
“I love bakes and dishes that take me back to my childhood.”
So did he make rice pudding with his nan? “Oh no, straight Ambrosia! Straight out the can, with jam or cinnamon I loved it so much.”
He says he’s discovered being a public figure means everyone has an opinion.
“When you’re a contestant, people vote for you and want to see you do well. But when you start to achieve things, people almost see you in a different light – so they can post that tweet. In the first year (of presenting Bake Off: The Professionals), some people were like, ‘He’s great on Bake Off but he’s s**t at this’.
“Honestly, it did [get to me]. I had weird moments with my mum when I was saying, ‘Am I good enough to do this stuff?’ Ultimately, you get over your stresses and insecurities. If you’re selfmotivated, no one can tell you anything.” ■