‘We need cake-based distraction!'

Tom Allen on Bake Off ’s ‘warm, silly and fun’ spin-off

- CAREN CLARK

THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF: AN EXTRA SLICE FRIDAY / C4 / 8PM / EP 7 of 10 / COOKERY

Few shows are bringing such much-needed warmth and hilarity to our screens right now as The Great British Bake Off’s wonderfully irreverent spin-off, An Extra Slice.

As well as giving us the inside track on life in the famous tent from each week’s departing baker, it’s also the perfect comic antidote to the tough times we’re living in. Where else could you giggle with presenter Jo Brand at a bizarre hedgehog cake, or raise an eyebrow with dapper co-host Tom Allen at the weird and wonderful bakes brought in by the audience?

TV Times caught up with the always-charming Tom, 37 – sporting a smart suit and tie as ever! – for a video chat to find out why this year’s series has been the best yet...

What have you loved about presenting An Extra Slice this time?

It’s a great group of bakers and we’re crying out for cake-based distraction. An Extra Slice has had a real surge in viewers, which we’re thrilled about because we pride ourselves on being a feel-good Friday-night show. We’re just talking about people in a baking competition but it’s a warm, fun, silly, uplifting end to the week when people are under so much pressure at the moment.

How have you found the changes in the studio due to social distancing?

I prefer it! The first week was strange, with everybody spaced out around the desk and me talking to the audience with my two-metre-long whisk! But everybody’s relaxed now and it hopefully feels like you’re eavesdropping on a little party.