To present The Professionals spin-off show

Tom Allen has joined the Bake Off team.

The comedian is to host the spin-off series Bake Off: The Professionals, with Liam Charles, the 20-year-old viewers’ favourite who came fifth in the last series of The Great British Bake Off.

Over the series professional duos from across the UK will go head-to-head in a series of competitive heats, judged by celebrated pastry chefs Cherish Finden and Benoit Blin.

The show previously ran for two series under the title Bake Off: Crème de la Crème, hosted by Tom Kerridge and Angus Deayton, but has been renamed after Channel 4 poached the format.

Allen said: ‘I am over the moon to be joining the Bake Off family and to be working with such a great team including my co-host Liam, the judges and some truly incredible professional patissiers (...is that how you spell it? Basically people who make cake for money). 

‘Finally! It feels like getting that A* in food technology GCSE was all worth it in the end!’

Charles added: ‘I’m totally amazed by the skill of professional chefs and to be doing this so soon after Bake Off, is just sick. I can’t wait to get cracking. I told you I’d be back.’ 

Ten hour-long episodes will air on Channel 4 later this year.

Published: 7 Feb 2018