The latest series of The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer premiered on Channel 4 this weekend, introducing a fresh new face to the judging panel. Pastry chef Cherish Finden, known for her role on Bake Off: The Professionals, has stepped in as a guest judge alongside Paul Hollywood, joining hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding in the iconic tent.
Cherish’s arrival follows the recent departure of Prue Leith from the main Bake Off show, who was succeeded by Nigella Lawson. However, Channel 4 viewers were quick to express their excitement on social media, welcoming Cherish with open arms.
Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise Cherish’s addition. One viewer exclaimed, “YES to Cherish! What a fab edition to the tent!” while another shared, “More excited than usual for Celebrity Bake Off starting tonight because Cherish Finden is finally in the tent and I have waited for this day through 10 seasons of Bake Off Professionals.” Appreciation flowed for her warm personality and baking expertise, with some even favoring her arrival over Nigella’s.
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Cherish herself expressed her delight at joining the show: “Whilst I definitely haven’t left my ruler at home, judging these wonderful celebrities is about more than just precision, it’s about spreading joy and supporting a meaningful cause.”
This season’s lineup features a vibrant mix of celebrities, including former Celebrity Big Brother star JoJo Siwa, Love Island’s Molly-Mae Hague, ex-Strictly Come Dancing contestant Vicky Pattison, and actor Emmett J Scanlan. The premiere saw a group of returning comedians, among them reigning star baker Joe Wilkinson, Roisin Conaty, Rose Matafeo, Judi Love, Tom Davis, and Jon Richardson.
The first episode kicked off with the Signature challenge where contestants baked breakfast pastries, earning a Hollywood handshake for Rose Matafeo’s impressive efforts. Cherish then challenged the group with a Technical round focused on matcha and yuzu vegan sandwich biscuits—flower-shaped and filled with smooth ganache. Jon Richardson claimed top spot in this round.
The episode concluded with the Showstopper challenge, where the comedians crafted cakes inspired by the strangest places they’ve ever slept, vying for the coveted star baker title.
The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer continues to deliver heartfelt moments, delectable bakes, and joyful competition, now with the added charm and expertise of Cherish Finden.