Comedian Tom Allen is to join the team behind the Bake Off spin-off, Bake Off: The Professionals.

In the show twelve professional duos from across the U.K. will go head to head in a series of competitive heats judged by celebrated pastry chefs Cherish Finden and Benoit Blin.

In each episode the expert pairs will be challenged to two rounds that will test their professional ability and allow them to showcase their creative flair. Presenters Tom Allen and Liam Charles, who came fifth in the last series of The Great British Bake Off, will offer their own comedic take on events in the professional’s kitchen.

Tom Allen said: “I am over the moon to be joining the Bake Off family and to be working with such a great team including my co-host Liam, the judges and some truly incredible professional patissiers (...is that how you spell it? Basically people who make cake for money). Finally! It feels like getting that A* in Food Technology GCSE was all worth it in the end!”

Liam Charles said: “I’m totally amazed by the skill of professional chefs and to be doing this so soon after Bake Off, is just sick. I can’t wait to get cracking. I told you I’d be back.”

Kelly Webb-Lamb, Deputy Director of Programmes, Channel 4 said: “We are delighted to welcome Bake Off: The Professionals to Channel 4 and with it two new faces in their first presenting roles. Bake Off: The Professionals will combine the charm and tension of Bake Off with mouth-watering professional creations that will inspire viewers to experiment themselves.”