Stacey Solomon has been announced as the new host of Bake Off: The Professionals, replacing comedian Tom Allen.
The Great British Bake Off spin-off will see Solomon take over hosting duties for its seventh season later this year, alongside returning co-host Liam Charles.
Judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden will also be returning, and the four posed for a photo to celebrate Solomon’s arrival on the show.
Announcing the news on the official Bake Off Twitter, the account said “Choux la la! We’re chuffed to announce that @StaceySolomon will be joining @LiamCBakes, @BenoitBlin_MCA and @Cherish_Finden for the next series of Bake Off: The Professionals. Welcome to the petit fours-ome, Stacey!”
Choux la la! We’re chuffed to announce that @StaceySolomon will be joining @LiamCBakes, @BenoitBlin_MCA and @Cherish_Finden for the next series of Bake Off: The Professionals.
— British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) February 24, 2022
Welcome to the petit fours-ome, Stacey! #GBBO pic.twitter.com/loPzV6TJTb
The series started life as Bake Off: Crème de la Crème on BBC One, a spin-off of The Great British Bake Off which pitted teams of professional pastry chefs against one another in a series of tasty (and tense!) challenges.
The series relocated to Channel 4 for season 3 in 2018, which is when Allen joined as host in his first presenting role.
Posting on his Instagram following the announcement, Allen said: “I’ve had the best time co-hosting The Professionals down in Sussex with my wonderful friend Liam but now is the time to move on. Stacey Solomon you are going to be absolutely amazing I can’t think of anyone better to be doing it!
“It was my first tv presenting job back in 2018 and it has taught me so much – thanks to the amazing team with whom I’ve loved working, all the incredible chefs and most of all Benoit, Cherish and of course the brilliant Liam. Have a great series you guys!! X”
Last season was won by Michael Coggan and Andrew Minto from Gin & Bake in Cardiff, who beat out stiff competition from London and Brighton.
Solomon started her career on The X Factor, finishing third in season 6 in 2009. She was also crowned queen of the I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! jungle in 2010 and has since presented I’m A Celebrity: Extra Camp and become a panellist on ITV’s Loose Women.
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