Ever wondered what happens to the cakes on Bake Off: The Professionals?
After some spectacular show-stoppers and some pretty savage judging, fans have often tweeted about what happens after the cameras stopped rolling.
If nothing else, getting rid of a literal mountain of crème pat and Genoese sponge represents a serious logistical challenge. There’s only so much you can stuff in a bin.
Here, we take a look at seven surprising facts about Bake Off: The Professionals – including what really happens to those delicious cakes…
Ever wondered what happens to the cakes on Bake Off: The Professionals? (Credit: Channel 4)
1. What happens to the cakes on Bake Off: The Professionals?
In a 2015 interview with Digital Spy, series four Bake Off semi-finalist Chetna Makan revealed what happens to the cakes – one way or another, almost everything gets eaten.
As she explained: “Before anyone else jumps on it, they always leave a piece of each bake and all the other bakers get to taste them.
READ MORE: Why are Bake Off: The Professionals’ judges so harsh?
“But it’s not just the cameramen who swarm over the food, we definitely do it too. We all run to the food made by whoever got the most compliments. Literally, everybody runs, nearly knocking each other over to have a taste.”
Although it’s not completely clear that Bake Off: The Professionals works in the same way, it seems reasonable to suggest there is a similar policy on set.
Early review of the series were seriously negative (Credit: Channel 4)
2. Early reviews were terrible
It might be an established fixture of the TV cooking calendar now, but Bake Off: The Professionals hasn’t always been a hit.
When the show first aired, several critics were incredibly disappointed with the format, blasting it from all angles.
For instance, Telegraph writer Michael Hogan labelled it a “soggy-bottomed disaster”, calling it “impenetrable”, “bafflingly scientific” and “not terribly likeable”.
In spite of this onslaught, however, the show still found an audience.
Angus Deayton is a former presenter on Bake Off: Crème de la Crème (Credit: BBC)
3. There have been four different hosts
Although Liam Charles and Tom Allen are now firm fan favourites, Bake Off: The Professionals initially struggled to find an appropriate host.
READ MORE: The 6 biggest disasters in Bake Off: The Professionals history
Back in season one, Michelin-starred publican Tom Kerridge did his best to steer the ship. Kerridge, however, only lasted a single season, with comedian Angus Deayton coming in as a replacement for season two.
Unfortunately, Deayton also failed to make the desired impression, and the powers that be settled on Charles and Allen for season three.
Claire Clark was a judge during the first series of Bake Off: Crème de la Crème (Credit: BBC)
4. One judge was axed
It’s not just presenters who have a short shelf-life on Bake Off: The Professionals. The show also has little patience with its judges.
Back in season one, the format actually included three judges. However, showrunners did not invite expert pastry chef Claire Clark to return for future series.
Although both Cherish Fiden and Benoit Blin have lasted thus far, the producers are clearly unafraid of making big calls about their panel.
A team of military chefs won the second series of Bake Off: Crème de la Crème (Credit: BBC)
5. The armed forces won a series
Many people might have a stereotypical picture of a professional baker. However, as Bake Off: The Professionals season two proved, great bakers don’t necessarily come from a handful of posh restaurants and hotels.
Under the watchful eye of team captain Liam Grime, a team of chefs from the British Armed Forces walked away with the title. In fact, this was the military’s second attempt to win Bake Off, having finished as semi-finalists in the first season.
It just goes to show that soldiers are no mugs in the kitchen.
The first season wasn’t actually called Bake Off: The Professionals (Credit: BBC)
6. It had to change its name
Bake Off: The Professionals might seem like an obvious title for a Bake Off spin-off series, featuring professional bakers. However, the show wasn’t always so aptly named.
In 2016, when the show was still on the BBC, it was actually called Bake Off: Crème de la Crème – a reference to the popular baking idiom.
However, when Channel 4 acquired the rights, executives decided to change the name as well as the presenters.
The Bake Off: The Professionals winners get an engraved silver plate (Credit: Channel 4)
7. The prize is pretty rubbish
You might think that professional bakers would want more than potential glory for their valuable time. However, just like in the amateur series, it seems remuneration is almost non-existent.
Exact details over the Bake Off: The Professionals prize pool remain sketchy. However, the evidence suggests that the only winnings are an engraved silver tray and a sense of accomplishment.
After weeks of painstaking craftsmanship, one tray might seem like a paltry return on investment. Still, there are clearly plenty of people still queuing up to take part.
READ MORE: How to watch the Great British Bake Off in the United States
Like any popular show, Bake Off: The Professionals has been through some testing times. However, as the sixth series continues, it’s clear that it’s still going strong.
Even if it isn’t your cup of tea, no one can deny that the show has found its feet.
