The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer returned to television screens on Sunday evening, featuring a fresh cohort of celebrities entering the iconic white tent. This week's episode saw influencer Molly-Mae Hague, comedian Richard Herring, singer JoJo Siwa, and comedian Babatunde Aléshé competing to create the most delicious baked goods, with Molly-Mae ultimately securing the coveted Star Baker title.
Signature Challenge Success
The competition commenced with the Signature Challenge, requiring each contestant to produce a tray bake of their choice. Molly-Mae Hague, aged 26, crafted a carrot cake designed as a 'carrot patch', meticulously decorated with an intricate vegetable patch motif and delicate icing carrots. Judge Paul Hollywood was thoroughly impressed, awarding her one of his renowned handshakes after tasting her creation. An elated Molly-Mae exclaimed, 'That has made my life you don't understand! Thank you so much!'
Technical and Showstopper Triumphs
For the Technical Challenge, the celebrities were tasked with baking a tarte tatin using homemade puff pastry. Molly-Mae achieved second place in this round, while JoJo Siwa emerged victorious with her superior apple pudding. The final Showstopper Challenge demanded a 3D biscuit toy, with Molly-Mae constructing a detailed replica of her famous Love Island Ellie Belly teddy bear. Following the success of her blue and purple biscuit creation, she was crowned Star Baker, declaring, 'My inner bake off fan is screaming right now!' Paul Hollywood remarked on her win, stating, 'She was the most consistent and I did give her a handshake!'
Post-Show Reflections
After the episode aired, Molly-Mae took to Instagram to share her reflections on the experience, posting photographs from the filming. She wrote, 'Still trying to process that this even happened! Taking part in Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer was honestly one of the most insane experiences of my life.' She added, 'Just so grateful to have been part of something so special for such an incredible cause... I'll truly never get over it @su2cuk @britishbakeoff.'
Judge Cherish Finden's Debut
The episode also marked the debut of Celebrity Bake Off judge Cherish Finden on the Channel 4 programme, following last week's episode where comedian Joe Wilkinson was named Star Baker. Host Alison Hammond introduced Finden as a 'very special' guest judge, stepping in after Prue Leith's departure from the main series after nine seasons, with Nigella Lawson assuming her role. Finden quickly made an impression with a series of risqué jokes, including a comment about contestant Tom Davis's dish, saying, 'I like his sausage, I thought his sausage was really tasty,' prompting laughter from Paul Hollywood and Noel Fielding.
Comedic Moments and Innuendos
Alison Hammond also contributed to the cheeky banter, remarking, 'Thank you, Tom - I'd eat your sausage all day long.' Later, when discussing her experience on the show with Noel Fielding, Finden described Paul Hollywood as a 'master-baker,' leading to a playful innuendo from Fielding, who joked, 'A couple letters out,' referencing the potential mispronunciation.
Previous Episode Recap
In the prior episode, a group of returning comedians, including Joe Wilkinson, Roisin Conaty, Rose Matafeo, Judi Love, Tom Davis, and Jon Richardson, competed. They began with breakfast pastries in the Signature challenge, where Rose Matafeo earned a Hollywood handshake. For the Technical Challenge, Finden set the task of baking matcha and yuzu biscuits, with Jon Richardson coming first. Joe Wilkinson was ultimately crowned Star Baker for his consistency across all three challenges, with Paul Hollywood praising him as a 'decent baker' and 'very, very good.'
Charity Focus and Availability
Ahead of her debut, Cherish Finden expressed her delight at joining Paul Hollywood in judging Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer, noting, '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.' The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer is available to stream on Channel 4, continuing its mission to raise funds and awareness for cancer research through entertaining celebrity baking competitions.
