Angus Deayton to replace Tom Kerridge as Bake Off: Crème de la Crème host

Former Have I Got News For You host Angus Deayton is to host Great British Bake Off spin-off Crème de la Crème, replacing chef Tom Kerridge.

The show for professional pastry chefs, first broadcast on BBC Two in 2016, is staying on the BBC, despite the Great British Bake Off moving to Channel 4.

Judge Claire Clark also recently announced she would not be returning, leaving the show with two judges: Benoit Blin, chef patissier at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire; and Cherish Finden, executive pastry chef at the Langham hotel in London.

The nine-part series features 10 teams of pastry chefs competing in tests of their skill, creativity and teamwork to produce pastries, desserts and showpieces.

In the second series, two groups of five teams will each compete across three heats, ahead of two semi-finals and the final, for the purposes of allowing the audience more time to get to know the chefs taking part.

The challenges will remain the same: miniatures, testing their ability to produce perfect identical fine patisserie in high volume, and the showpiece, where the teams will create a spectacular dessert inspired by a popular British pudding or theme.

The show will return to BBC Two later this year.

Kieran Smith, executive producer for Love Productions, which produces the show, said: "We're delighted Angus has taken up the baton to host the new series of Crème de la Crème, his distinct humour and presenting style brings a fresh dynamic to the show."

Patrick Holland, channel editor for BBC Two, added: "Bake Off: Crème de la Crème proved a great hit with audiences last year and we are pleased that it is returning to BBC Two with Angus Deayton at the helm."

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