Irish star Laura Whitmore has revealed there are some similarities between Love Island and The Great British Bake Off, ahead of competing on the baking show in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.
The Love Island presenter is joining a host of celebrities including Irish DJ Annie Mac, Emma Willis, Oti Mabuse, Mo Farah and Alex Horne to compete for a Star Baker apron during The Great Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off 2022 five-part series.
Speaking ahead of the competition, Bray native Whitmore (36) said: “I think they’re both entertainment shows, and they both involve a lot of challenges, and lots of tasty items so actually there are many similarities — who would’ve thought it?
“But there’s not much culinary stuff on Love Island, beyond breakfast. You don’t really see them eat, because they eat off camera.
“Have there ever been bakers who have fallen in love with each other on the show? I don’t think it’s that kind of show.”
“But I suppose the thing that unites them is that they’re both entertainment shows, and I think the news is quite hard to watch, and there’s lots of negativity out there, so it’s nice to have shows that are fun and entertaining and for the family.
“Believe it or not, I know lots of families that all watch Love Island together. I can imagine watching Love Island with your grandmother may be slightly awkward!”
Whitmore will be up against a range of competitors in the tent including comedian Horne, who has been less than confident about his baking ability.
Horne (43) said: “I cannot bake. I have never baked. My children can bake better than me. But I saw this as an opportunity to learn a new craft, and possibly fashion a new career.
“I’m only doing it so I can release a cookbook. That is not true. I can’t bake.”
However, Horne revealed he does have some strengths that may help him through the competition.
Ahead of the charity special he said: “I’m very good at pouring out the right amount of sugar into a bowl first time.
“So if it says 200g, I’m really good at pouring it until it stops at 200g exactly and it doesn’t go one gram over or under. Those are all my strengths.
“My weaknesses are mess, time-keeping, sharp knives, and identifying the difference between flour, salt and sugar.”
TV presenter Willis is also taking part and revealed she won’t be jostling for a coveted star baker apron given she is “not at all” competitive when it comes to baking.
Willis (45) said: “I am competitive in some things, but this is not my domain.
“I’m just here to have fun and raise awareness, and hopefully some money for Stand Up To Cancer, and to experience one of the shows that I love watching.
“I absolutely am not here as someone who is an avid baker and really wants to win it. I’m just lucky I got my foot in the door, to be honest.”
During last year’s Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off special series actor James McAvoy, Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall, singer Alexandra Burke, comedian Reece Shearsmith and TV presenter Anneka Rice all secured themselves a Star Baker apron.
Now in its fifth year, the charity spin-off series makes a welcome return to Channel 4 with the 19 celebrity bakers,
But they’re not the only famous faces hoping to impress Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, for this season longtime host Matt Lucas also finds himself in the firing line of the judges — and his fellow presenter Noel Fielding — as he fills in for a missing baker.
“[It’s] terrifying!” quips the Little Britain star (48) who is used to presiding over the bakers’ efforts.
“I only found out just before. No time to prepare. Mind you, no time to worry, either!
“My strengths generally are saying ‘no’ when people ask me to compete in baking shows — one that failed me on this occasion!”
As usual, stars from the worlds of music, entertainment and sport haven’t shied away from rolling their sleeves up for this great cause.
Also joining the cast are actor and children’s author Ben Miller; actor Blake Harrison; broadcaster Clara Amfo; award-winning comedian and podcaster Ed Gamble; singer-songwriter and UN environment ambassador Ellie Goulding and singer-songwriter Example.
Tent
Fans can also expect to see choirmaster and broadcaster Gareth Malone; actress Katherine Kelly; writer and comedian Mawaan Rizwan; judge, presenter and dancer Motsi Mabuse; comedian, writer and TV presenter Ruby Wax; TV presenter Sophie Morgan; actress Tracy-Ann Oberman; and comedian and musician Yung Filly.
The latest series will follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, inviting four brave celebrities into the iconic white tent every week.
In a bid to win, they will each compete in three rounds: the Signature, the Technical and the Showstopper challenges.
It is then up to Hollywood and Leith to judge their culinary creations, before just one hopeful is awarded the sought-after title of Star Baker.
“I can bake a little bit!” declares Goulding (35). “I wouldn’t say I’m fully confident as a baker, I often get bakes wrong. I tend to move away from the recipe quite a lot, which proves to be disastrous.”
“This is the first time. But you know what? I’m really enjoying it!” admits Farah (38).
“I can see myself doing more.”
Mabuse (40) says: “I would say I’m OK with my baking. I enjoy baking, it’s almost like meditation. I like putting everything together and getting this beautiful result at the end. Usually!”
As for Example (39): “I don’t like baking at all, it’s too specific when it comes to measurements. Which I hate because I hate rules! But if I HAD to bake for a competition then I would do everything I could to win it!”
Ask Goulding to make a chocolate fondant and she could be in trouble, she warns: “Something that requires a lot of timing and is really technical [would be a disaster]
“So a fondant cake or a puff pastry or something!”
For Whitmore, it’s Baked Alaska: “I once tried to make [it], and I basically made a baked omelette. I actually didn’t even think about what they might ask us to make, but I really hope it’s not [that]!
“My favourite cake is a red velvet cake, that’s my favourite thing to do,” she adds.
“And as a kid I did love my mum’s apple pie, because our neighbour had an apple tree in her garden, so I can make that.
“Just stick with the basics and what you know — chocolate cake and apple pie.”
If its simplicity you’re after, “I kind of dabble with my kids and make cupcakes!” Willis offers.
“I can do a sponge, but that’s my limit. A big sponge, whack a bit of cream and jam in it, put some icing sugar on the top to make it look pretty.”
● The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer returns to Channel 4 next Tuesday.
