Keegan takes top spot in second Bake Off challenge

MICHELLE KEEGAN has been named star baker in the second episode of The Great Celebrity Bake Off, describing the win as “one of the proudest moments of my life”.

The actress, 31, “slam dunked” all three challenges, according to judge Paul Hollywood, during the special episode in aid of the charity Stand Up To Cancer. Alongside comic James Acaster, television host Rylan Clark-Neal and actor Russell Tovey, the Stockportborn former Coronation Street star faced signature, technical and showstopper challenges.

Celebrating her narrow win over Clark-Neal, Keegan described herself as “absolutely over the moon”.

She said: “Really big achievement. Probably one of the proudest moments of my life.”

Co-judge Prue Leith said of her: “She hasn’t put a foot wrong. Everything has tasted right, looked fantastic. She’s a pro.”

Acaster, who played the fool throughout, was indignant after a series of poorly-received bakes. “What a crock of nonsense”, he said. “They don’t recognise a true talent when the see one.”

For the signature challenge, the celebrity contestants were asked to bake 12 identical topped flapjacks.

Tovey’s chocolate brownie flapjacks impressed, with Hollywood labelling them “genius”. Acaster’s cherry bakewell flapjacks were less successful, crumbling when cut.

The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer continues on Channel 4.