BAKE or break!

No-nonsense judges BENOIT BLIN and CHERISH FINDEN on raising the bar even higher this year

- REBECCA FLETCHER

BAKE OFF: THE PROFESSIONALS NEW MON & TUE, 8PM, C4 COOKERY

The sweetest treat on TV returns this week as more patisserie teams prepare to do battle in the ninth series of Bake Off: The Professionals.

'When we started eight years ago, I thought we'd struggle to keep finding pastry chefs of a high calibre, but we manage it every year,' says judge Benoit Blin, who can't wait to put a fresh batch of hopefuls through their paces with his ruler-wielding colleague, Cherish Finden.

'Pastry chefs have always been hidden behind the chef somewhere in this show, they come out of their shadow!"

He can say that again, because the new 10-part outing of the C4 contest, helmed again by Liam Charles and Ellie Taylor and airing two episodes each week, will see the 12 pairs of contenders tackle seemingly impossible challenges, including masterminding Carnival, Circus and Haute Couturethemed edible Showpieces!

Here, Benoit, who is Chef Pâtissier at Raymond Blanc's two Michelin-starred Oxfordshire restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, and Cherish, international pastry consultant and former executive pastry chef at London hotel The Langham, tell us what's on the menu...

Welcome back for another series, Benoit and Cherish!

BENOIT Ah, it’s always good fun. We have fantastic teams of pastry chefs – from big hotels, patisseries and small ventures – all coming to try to better themselves.

CHERISH It’s a captivating glimpse into the world of professional pastry. Viewers will be amazed by the skill and entertained by the drama!

How’s the standard this year?

BENOIT Very competitive! The teams have seen what others have done in the past, so they know what skills they have to bring.

CHERISH Yes, it’s exceptionally high – they’re really impressive in their Showpiece sculptures.