Celebrity Bake Off set for a shake-up as new judge is ‘revealed’ ahead of 2026 series — and fans will definitely recognise the no-nonsense star known for razor-sharp critiques and royal-approved creations - suong

   

Celebrity Bake Off is heating up - and a brand new judge is reportedly joining the tent. 

The next series, set to air in 2026, will see acclaimed pastry chef Cherish Finden, 57, step in as a judge, according to The Sun.

Cherish, known to viewers as the no-nonsense star of Bake Off: The Professionals, is a multi-award-winning chef with more than 20 years of international experience under her apron.

A former Culinary Olympics champion, she currently serves as Executive Pastry Chef at London's five-star Langham Hotel and has been dubbed one of the UK's top afternoon tea experts. 

She joined Bake Off: The Professionals in 2016 and has since become a fan favourite for her razor-sharp critiques and flawless standards.

Born in Singapore, Cherish began working at just 14 and quickly moved into the kitchen, enrolling in culinary school at 16. 

Celebrity Bake Off is heating up - and a brand new judge is reportedly joining the tent (pictured Paul Hollywood, Alison Hammond, Noel Fielding, and Caroline Waldegrave in January)
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Celebrity Bake Off is heating up - and a brand new judge is reportedly joining the tent (pictured Paul Hollywood, Alison Hammond, Noel Fielding, and Caroline Waldegrave in January)

The next series, set to air in 2026, will see acclaimed pastry chef Cherish Finden, 57, step in as a judge, according to The Sun (pictured with Benoit Blin on Bake Off: The Professionals)
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The next series, set to air in 2026, will see acclaimed pastry chef Cherish Finden, 57, step in as a judge, according to The Sun (pictured with Benoit Blin on Bake Off: The Professionals)

 

She went on to train in some of Singapore's most prestigious hotels, including the iconic six-star Raffles. 

As a seasoned TV personality, Cherish has appeared on MasterChef UK, Australian MasterChef, Junior Bake Off, An Extra Slice, and Heston's Great British Food on Channel 4. 

She even baked for royalty – designing a cake shaped like Windsor Castle for the late Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday. 

MailOnline has contacted Channel 4 and Cherish's representative for comment.

The new role comes after Prue Leith, 85, announced she was stepping away from all Great British Bake Off specials earlier this year. 

Her place was temporarily filled by food writer Caroline Waldegrave, 72, during the most recent series.

Prue confirmed the news on This Morning, explaining she would continue on the main show alongside Paul Hollywood, 59, but not on spin-offs.

The upcoming Stand Up To Cancer special is already shaping up to be a star-studded affair.

Cherish, known to viewers as the no-nonsense star of Bake Off: The Professionals, is a multi-award-winning chef with more than 20 years of international experience under her apron
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Cherish, known to viewers as the no-nonsense star of Bake Off: The Professionals, is a multi-award-winning chef with more than 20 years of international experience under her apron

The new role comes after Prue Leith, 85, announced she was stepping away from all Great British Bake Off specials earlier this year (L-R Paul, Prue, Noel, and Alison pictured last year)
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The new role comes after Prue Leith, 85, announced she was stepping away from all Great British Bake Off specials earlier this year (L-R Paul, Prue, Noel, and Alison pictured last year)

Prue confirmed the news on This Morning, explaining she would continue on the main show alongside Paul Hollywood, 59, but not on spin-offs (pictured on the show last year)
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Prue confirmed the news on This Morning, explaining she would continue on the main show alongside Paul Hollywood, 59, but not on spin-offs (pictured on the show last year)

Hollywood actress Ambika Mod, 29, who rose to prominence in This Is Going To Hurt and shot to stardom in One Day, will reportedly be taking part alongside Geordie Shore favourite Vicky Pattison, 37. 

Also joining the line-up are comedian Babatunde Aleshe, 38, Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague, 26, and former Celebrity Big Brother contestant JoJo Siwa, 22.

They’ll be joined by RAG 'N' Bone Man, 40, broadcaster Edith Bowman, 51, and 8 Out of 10 Cats regular Jon Richardson, 42 – all ready to be judged by Cherish and Paul in the iconic Bake Off tent. 

The Great British Bake Off typically airs on Tuesdays at 8pm on Channel 4.