Born in Hackney, east London, Liam Charles, 20, is nicknamed “Cake Boy” and shot to fame as the youngest contestant on last year’s The Great British Bake Off. He finished fifth. He’s the new co-host of spin-off show Bake Off: The Professionals and his debut cookbook will be published this summer. He also studies drama and theatre arts at Goldsmiths University, London.
How did you get the job on Bake Off: The Professionals?
It was mad. The Bake Off people asked if I wanted to try out and I did a couple of screen tests and before I knew it, I’d got the gig. I’m a drama student, so I’ve always wanted to do something along these lines.
What’s it like being on the other side of the workbench?
The first few days felt odd. I know what the contestants are going through – especially when people are trying to chat when you just want to crack on with baking – but as the weeks went by, it became easier. Everyone’s trying to do their job, so you have to be chill but efficient at the same time.
Your co-presenter is the comedian Tom Allen. How’s that working out?
I met Tom at the screen test and we really hit it off, so it was wicked we got the gig together. We’re like two schoolkids, gossiping and giggling at the back of the class.
If we compared you two to Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig, who would be whom?
Difficult. I’d probably say that Tom is Noel and I’m Sandi [laughs].
How high is the standard of contestants?
They’re pro pastry chefs, so at first I was like, “How the hell did you make that in four hours?” Some of their creations are insane. I’m learning loads.
Do you get recognised in Hackney?
A bit. If somebody stops me to talk about baking, I’ll happily stand and chat all day. There’s a good vibe about Bake Off – its fans are proper chill and really nice. With all the stuff that’s been happening recently around the borough [a spate of shootings and stabbings], it’s good for the community to see something positive. Criminals are a tiny minority, so we should focus attention on local people doing good stuff. Hackney’s a great place, and people need to know that.
What do Bake Off fans tend to remember you for?
My flavours and one-liners. In week four, when the technical round was stroopwafels, I just shrugged to the camera and went “Waffles innit?” People still say that to me. And “decent”.
You got a Paul Hollywood handshake for your millionaire’s shortbread…
That was a moment. I’d been watching Bake Off for four years and the handshake had become a big deal, so I was buzzing all week when I got my own. He doesn’t crush your hand but it’s definitely a firm shake. You know that Paul kneads bread for a living.
Where do you keep your Bake Off apron?
In my room. It still has stains on it and each stain tells a story. I look at it every now and again and think “Yeah man, I did that. That was pretty cool.”
Is it fair to say your life has changed a lot in the past year?
I guess so. I feel exactly the same but just do cool stuff now. I still go to uni, my mum still tells me off – then occasionally I get a [courtesy] car somewhere and do something cool. I made Jade from Little Mix’s birthday cake a few months ago, which was sick. Another highlight was meeting [grime MC] Big Narstie. I always watch his videos on YouTube, so that was nuts.
You’re passionate about getting youngsters into baking. Why?
Not just young people but especially ones from my background. It’s a great outlet to express creativity. Everyone loves cake, and it’s always good to learn a new skill. Baking was perfect for me because it combined my love of art and design with my love of food. Anyone can do it, so get involved. When my two young nephews come over to my mum’s house, they like to muck in: weigh flour, toss doughnuts in sugar, make freakshakes [milkshakes topped with cake, ice-cream and other sweet trimmings]. Kids like that dramatic, super-size stuff. The best way to get them into baking is to make it big and grand and… unhealthy [laughs].
Does the obesity crisis mean we shouldn’t be so cake-obsessed?
It’s a question of balance – finding the correct blend between a healthy lifestyle and indulging when you see fit. Don’t deprive yourself, just do everything in moderation. My book, which comes out in July, is called Cheeky Treats. That’s what it’s about: live healthily, but treat yourself sometimes and don’t look back.
With all the cakes you eat and sample, do you find yourself putting on weight?
Not really, fortunately. I’ll always love cake. And bacon. Otherwise, I try to eat as well as possible and exercise daily. People are always getting me to taste stuff, or messaging me for baking advice. I try my hardest to reply, because a year ago I was that guy. If I can help someone out now, I always will.
What do you do when you’re not studying, presenting or baking?
Watch Man United, of course. The UK rap scene is a massive thing for me, too. Film-wise, I’m a humongous Marvel fan, so I’m stoked to see Avengers: Infinity War. I’m digging Mexican food at the moment and I love Nando’s so much. When I was in sixth form, Nando’s was basically my house – my loyalty card had 40 chillies on it.
Your parting words from Bake Off were “It’s not the end of me, it’s the beginning. I’m coming for Paul Hollywood’s job.” Is that still the plan?
Hopefully. Seven years max.
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