JUNIOR BAKE OFF
Channel 4, 5pm
Just because the contestants are kids, don’t be fooled into thinking this series is any less impressive.
After being chosen from thousands of applicants, 16 junior bakers aged nine to 15 enter the iconic white tent to be judged by pastry chef Ravneet Gill and Bake Off veteran Liam Charles.
Harry Hill plays the fool, sorry I mean host, cracking jokes and getting in everyone’s way.
In today’s first heat, eight bakers attempt to make eight, perfectly octagonal jaffa cakes. There are wobbles with jelly-making, splodges of chocolate everywhere (including faces and floors) and the usual “cake or biscuit” debate.
Then they must create a showstopper fantasy cake to reflect their wildest dreams.
There’s everything from a camera and space cake, to the more surprising spider cake. “I’ve always loved deadly creatures,” explains Charlie.
With plenty of panic, melting in a hot tent and wonky bakes, this is not too different from the adult version – and makes for great daily posthomeschool viewing with the kids.