Bake Off: The Professionals returned to screens on Tuesday night and there was quite a big change. While Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden were back as judges and Liam Charles returned as host, his usual presenting partner Tom Allen was nowhere to be seen.
That's because the comedian decided to leave the show and has been replaced by Stacey Solomon on the Channel 4 show, which is a spin-off of the much-loved Great British Bake Off featuring industry chefs instead of amateur bakers.
The Loose Women panellist and Sort Your Life Out host didn't miss out on an opportunity to reference the change as she appeared alongside Liam in one of Tom's dapper suits. Her new co-host told her she didn't have to be just like Tom which was a relief to Stacey who joked she was glad she found out before she shaved her head.
READ MORE: Stacey Solomon unrecognisable as she throws epic dinosaur-themed party for son's third birthday
Tom Allen announced his departure from Bake Off: The Professionals in February, saying it was “time to move on”. He said: “I’ve had the best time co-hosting The Professionals down in Sussex with my wonderful friend Lam but now is the time to move on. It was my first TV presenting job back in 2018 and it has taught me so much – thanks to the amazing team with whom I’ve loved working, all the incredible chefs and most of all Benoit, Cherish and of course the brilliant Liam. Have a great series, you guys!!"
Stacey's appointment as co-host of the show was then announced in February. Bake Off: The Professionals said in a social media post: "Choux la la! We're chuffed to announce that @StaceySolomon will be joining @LiamCBakes, @BenoitBlinMCA, @Cherish_Finden and for the next series of Bake Off: The Professionals. Welcome to the petit fours-ome, Stacey! #GBBO."
And as she made her debut, viewers of the Channel 4 show were divided. @Jeanhardman3 tweeted: "Why on earth is Stacey Solomon presenting bring back Tom #GBBOProfessionals." @julien_morris wrote: "There are strange presenter choices and then there is Stacey Solomon doing bake off the professionals. Baffled."
@Collider74 said: "@Casting_BOTP been looking forward to this for ages. Then Stacey Solomon walks in. I mean, why? Of all the people. I can’t be dealing with all the cor blimey. And where’s Tom anyway?" @Mothership76 commented: "Um hello where is @tomallencomedy on #BakeOffTheProfessionals nothing against @StaceySolomon but love #TomAllen."
But @ShaneRooD15 said: "#StaceySolomon is a great addition to #BakeOffTheProfessionals she has the right amount of humour and empathy. #GBBO." @RyanJL74 echoed: "Love having #GBBO The Professionals back and @StaceySolomon is a perfect addition to the team."
@MattBlack2022 tweeted: "I don't care what anyone says. I bloody love @StaceySolomon and she was fantastic on #BakeOffTheProfessionals. I also love @tomallencomedy, but he's on EVERYTHING else!" @Pseudoduck commented: "I questioned the choice of Stacey Solomon as new Bake Off Professionals host (because it seemed awfully random, and I really like Tom) but I think she did pretty well."
