Baked to PERFECTION

TOM ALLEN and JO BRAND on why their Bake Off spin-off show is the ideal accompaniment

- CAREN CLARK

THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF: AN EXTRA SLICE
THURSDAY, 8PM, C4 COOKERY

For devotees of The Great British Bake Off, companion show An Extra Slice is the icing on the cake. Presented with warmth and wit by comedians Jo Brand and Tom Allen, the C4 series perfectly blends reflections from the departing bakers with a dash of insight from the panel of celebrity fans, while stirring in plenty of chuckles as viewers and members of the studio audience serve up bakes that have gone awry!

This Thursday, the duo will analyse the events of Wednesday’s Chocolate Week edition, which sees the remaining competitors rustle up a tasty torte, tackle a challenging cheesecake and even make an edible chocolate box.

Here, Jo, 66, and Tom, 40, talk to TV Times about baking, banter and the potential of shop-bought cakes…

What do you think makes An Extra Slice so special?

JO Tom and I just have fun, because we like each other, and viewers enjoy hearing the bakers talk about where it went wrong for them. I’m not sure if they like the stupid sketches we do, though!

TOM Those sketches are funny! It’s just about having a laugh. That’s part of the charm – it should feel like friends catching up or a party. I’m proud to be involved. It’s a perfect entertainment show the whole family can enjoy. People of all ages and backgrounds say, ‘We always watch An Extra Slice.’

Do you get invested in the bakers’ journeys before you chat to them about their time in the tent?