PICK OF TODAY’S TV

BAKE OFF: THE PROFESSIONALS, 8PM, CH4

RULERS at the ready as the most exacting baking show on television returns for a new series — and the big news is that reality star Stacey Solomon will be replacing comedian Tom Allen as co-host. Stacey, who started her TV career on The X Factor in 2009 before being crowned queen of the I’m A Celebrity . . . jungle in 2010, previously competed in a Stand Up To Cancer edition of the Great British Bake Off in 2018. She will be taking her place alongside regular judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden (pictured near right), and co-host Liam Charles (far right, with Stacey), for a seventh season of the show as 12 new teams from around the world put their reputations on the line in patisserie’s toughest challenge. It may not have the homespun charm of its sister show, but it’s still lots of fun thanks to the amazing creations by the chefs and the incredible skills on show. In the opening heat, the first six teams must create 36 individual strawberry cakes, and for the first showpiece they have to reinvent the humble treacle tart. ‘Simple? Wrong!’ bellows the formidable Cherish as she gives the teams just four hours to put their own spin on this classic dessert. The winning team will enjoy the sweet taste of success — but it’s a bitter end for one unlucky duo.