Bake Off: The Professionals
Professional pastry chefs risk their reputations on Bake Off’s sister show…
Many people bake to relax and unwind. Not on this show. Teams of professional pastry chefs compete to wow fussy judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden in this spin-off from The Great British Bake Off, so expect toe-curling tension and stress levels through the roof…
The show has followed its sister show from the BBC to C4, and though it has altered its name from Bake Off Crème de la Crème to Bake Off: The Professionals, don’t expect a change in approach from the demanding duo. Benoit and Cherish are fierce perfectionists, even getting their rulers out to measure meringues!
‘A lot of the contestants take our comments on board and become even stronger,’ insists Cherish. ‘Every challenge we set is achievable, but it is up to the chefs to work on their time management and decide what is practical within the time limit.’
High standards
Although her critiques have been known to make bakers cry, former Pastry Chef of the Year Cherish says she holds herself to the same standards.
‘I have to deliver on what I preach,’ she tells us. ‘When I worked at The Langham hotel in London, Bake Off fans would come in for afternoon tea and then check it with a ruler.’
The new series waves goodbye to host Angus Deayton and welcomes comedian Tom Allen and last year’s Bake Off contestant Liam Charles as replacements.
‘I’m so happy to have this opportunity – I’m on the other side and get to eat the bakes!’ laughs Liam. ‘I’m learning so much and I’m a lot more critical of my own baking now!’