The Great British Bake Off star Liam Charles reveals how he became a presenter

The Great British Bake Off star Liam Charles has spilled the beans on his new job presenting the show’s Professionals spin-off.

Liam was a fan-favourite contestant on Channel 4’s first series of Bake Off last year.

He was crowned Star Baker during Pastry Week, and earned a Paul Hollywood handshake for his peanut butter caramel shortbread.

Eventually the judges eliminated him two weeks before the grand final, leaving viewers aghast.

However, he’s now back in the Bake Off fold – this time as a presenter.

Liam returns to our screens on Sunday fronting Bake Off: The Professionals, the spin-off featuring professional pastry chefs.

The 20-year-old told The Guardian how he suddenly became a primetime TV host.

“It was mad. The Bake Off people asked if I wanted to try out and I did a couple of screen tests,” he revealed. “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.”

Liam will present the show – previously known as Bake Off: Creme De La Creme – with comedian Tom Allen, who he says is the Noel Fielding to his Sandi Toksvig.

“I met Tom at the screen test and we really hit it off, so it was wicked we got the gig together,” he explained.

“We’re like two schoolkids, gossiping and giggling at the back of the class.”

Liam added that he initially “felt odd” going from competing in the challenges to overseeing them.

“I know what the contestants are going through,” he said. “Especially when people are trying to chat when you just want to crack on with baking.

“As the weeks went by, it became easier.”

Liam – who will also release his debut cookbook ‘Cheeky Treats’ in July – isn’t the first Bake Off star to bag a job on the show.

Series 6 winner Nadiya Hussain became a judge on children’s version Junior Bake Off in 2016.

Bake Off: The Professionals stars this Sunday at 8.00pm on Channel 4.