Bake Off: The Professionals season 11 champions have been crowned after a gruelling 12-hour Masquerade Ball Banquet final on Channel 4.
Edwardian Hotels' Ashish and Loki faced off against The Stafford London's Aubin and Avneet, before the champions were ultimately declared to be Ashish and Loki.
"Can't believe it," Loki said, as Ashish added: "The emotions came out in that moment."
Final Challenge
Two teams were put to the final test, producing over 200 creations for their masquerade-ball challenge. Channel 4 had previously teased: "In a completely new challenge for the spectacular final, the remaining teams are throwing every ounce of passion, skill and patisserie prowess into one monumental twelve-hour Masquerade Ball Banquet-themed challenge – where only absolute brilliance will be enough to claim this title."
Judges Cherish and Benoit demanded the teams hit the ground running in the longest challenge ever set, as they produced two desserts for a brutal halfway judging. After six relentless hours, one team was sent home on the spot – leaving just two to go head-to-head for the coveted trophy as they worked to complete a further three desserts and their banquets, producing five desserts in total...45 of each... over 200 stunning creations in total.
Judges' Decision
Before revealing the victors, host Ellie acknowledged the judges' difficult task. She said: "This has been quite possibly the closest final in the history of Bake Off: The Professionals, but after much deliberation, Benoit and Cherish have made their decision."
Judge Benoit remarked: "Every year I'm amazed that we find pastry chefs of this calibre." "They've both worked so hard, they're so determined, passionate and most of all, very resilient, it's incredible," Cherish agreed.
Viewer Reaction
Fans hailed the 'exceptional' final, with one person writing: “Bake Off: The Professionals is the best baking/cooking show the UK has, and it’s not even close. Exceptional all round.” Another quipped: “Bake off the professionals. I want to eat all of these.”
Despite their defeat, Aubin and Avneet acknowledged: "Honestly, Ashish and Loki they nailed it."
Bake Off: The Professionals is available to watch on Channel 4.
