The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer kicked off its latest series on Channel 4 this weekend, welcoming a fresh face to the judging panel. Pastry chef Cherish Finden has stepped in as a new judge alongside Paul Hollywood, much to the delight of fans.
Cherish, known for her role on Bake Off: The Professionals, replaces Prue Leith, who recently left the main series after nine seasons. The Celebrity Bake Off hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding introduced Cherish as a “very special” guest judge in the first episode, airing on March 22.
Social media was quick to buzz with excitement. Viewers expressed enthusiasm and a warm welcome for Cherish’s addition to the tent. One viewer tweeted, “YES to Cherish! What a fab edition to the tent!” Another wrote, “More excited than usual for Celebrity Bake Off starting tonight because Cherish Finden is finally here!” Others chimed in, praising her judging style and noting they preferred her presence over other judges.
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Cherish shared her own excitement: “I am delighted to be joining Paul in judging Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer. Judging these wonderful celebrities isn’t just about precision—it’s about spreading joy and supporting a meaningful cause.”
This year’s lineup brings together a lively mix of celebrities, including former Celebrity Big Brother star JoJo Siwa, Love Island’s Molly-Mae Hague, Strictly Come Dancing’s Vicky Pattison, and actor Emmett J Scanlan. The premiere featured returning comedians such as Joe Wilkinson, Roisin Conaty, Rose Matafeo, Judi Love, Tom Davis, and Jon Richardson.
The contestants faced the Signature challenge of baking breakfast pastries, with Rose Matafeo earning a Hollywood handshake for her performance. Next, in the Technical challenge, Cherish set them the task of creating vegan matcha and yuzu biscuits—flower-shaped and filled with smooth ganache. Jon Richardson topped this round.
The episode closed with the competitors crafting cakes inspired by the strangest places they’ve ever slept, competing for the coveted star baker title.
The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer continues to delight viewers with its blend of fun, competition, and charity, now enhanced by Cherish Finden’s expert judging.