MONDAY 10 June
ELLIE TAYLOR REVEALS WHAT’S COOKING AS THE EXPERT BAKING CONTEST RETURNS…
BAKE OFF: THE PROFESSIONALS Channel 4 8PM
Hi, Ellie! It’s your second run co-hosting with Liam Charles: has it been less daunting this time?
Oh, yeah. It was lovely last year, but I knew exactly what I was getting myself into this time. It’s a wonderful working environment. It’s probably my favourite job I’ve ever had!
So do you and Liam get on well?
We do! We’re absolute children together. It’s really good fun. My mum came to set one day to see what I get up to, and she said, “It’s like a sixth-form common room, isn’t it?”. And it is a bit – it’s just really cheerful and upbeat and fun.
Are judges Cherish Finden and Benoit Blin a little less scary in real life?
Yeah, they’re a great craic. We’re such a strange foursome, though – what an odd little family!
What’s the standard like this year?
It’s exceptionally high. The teams display a clear dedication to their craft, and there’s meticulous attention to detail.
Did you have any favourite challenges from this series?
Yes, I loved the mythical beasts showpiece: there were some spectacular creations. The suspended showpiece, where they have to hang up their design, is always extraordinary.
Do any of the team ever bring in goodies that they’ve made?
Yes, the series is brilliant for that! Cherish cooked for me numerous times at lunch, which was amazing. She made some beautiful Chinese food. And Benoit brought some stuff in from the Manoir [Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons restaurant, where he’s chef pâtissier]. We made a little Manoir in our changing room, where we had cheese and w
