Bolton lad impresses on Bake Off: The Professionals

Andrew Harwood of Harwoods Patisserie in Standish, Wigan, appeared on week one of the programme last week.

Andrew, who attended Smithills School as a child, met teammate Raf Perussi on a ski trip a number of years ago but their first appearance on Bake Off: The Professionals was the first time the two of them worked as a team.

He told presenters Liam Charles and Ellie Taylor, who replaced Stacey Solomon on the programme, of his love of baking at a young age.

Andrew, who grew up in Bolton, said: "I loved cooking with my nan. We made things like jam tarts. The simple stuff for when my grandad got home from work."

The first challenge for week one was to create 36 opera aux fruits, a type of cake made from layers of almond sponge, as well as a chocolate centrepiece.

Judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden praised Andrew and Raf for the presentation and the taste of their creations.

And the second challenge for week one was to create a twist on a banoffee dessert with an elaborate, edible sculpture.

Again Blin and Finden praised Andrew and Raf for the presentation, which included decorations and details such as chocolate monkeys, although the taste left a little to be desired as it was dominated by lime. But the pair took top spot to see themselves through to the next week.

Afterwards, Andrew said: "The time limitations were tough as even if you had time to practise it is tough to factor in the stopping for the judges and the presenters. You forget the cameras as you are so focused on the challenge."

Bake Off: The Professionals returns tonight on Channel 4 at 8pm.

The teams must create 24 tarts and 24 peach melbas in the first challenge then an elaborate, edible sculpture made of choux buns in the second challenge.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.