Two winners have been crowned for the 2026 series of Bake Off: The Professionals after an emotional final.
Series 11 has come to an end(Image: Channel 4)
Bake Off: The Professionals has crowned its season 11 winners.
12 teams of pastry chefs were whittled down to the final three, with the final airing on Wednesday, July 22.
Hosts Ellie Taylor and Liam Charles and judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden had taken the teams through technical challenges, showpieces and epic patisserie tests before the final task.
In the grand final, the remaining teams had 12 hours to complete a masquerade-themed challenge, with one pair eliminated halfway through.
The final two raced to finish desserts, building monumental showpieces out of sugar, chocolate sculptures and making a total of 200 creations across five desserts per team.
Edwardian Hotels’ Ashish and Loki were up against The Stafford London’s Aubin and Avneet, before the winners were officially crowned.
Ahead of announcing the winners, presenter Ellie admitted how difficult the decision had been for the judges.
She shared: “This has been quite possibly the closest final in the history of Bake Off: The Professionals, but after much deliberation, Benoit and Cherish have made their decision.”
She announced Ashish and Loki the winners, with the pair celebrating with their family and friends at the banquet.
“Can’t believe it,” Loki said, as Ashish added: “The emotions came out in that moment.”
Despite their defeat, Aubin and Avneet praised: “Honestly, Ashish and Loki they nailed it.”
Judge Benoit added: “Every year I’m amazed that we find pastry chefs of this calibre.”
“They’ve both worked so hard, they’re so determined, passionate and most of all, very resilient, it’s incredible,” Cherish agreed.
Channel 4 had previously teased: “In a completely new challenge for the spectacular final, the remaining teams are throwing every ounce of passion, skill and patisserie prowess into one monumental twelve-hour Masquerade Ball Banquet-themed challenge – where only absolute brilliance will be enough to claim this title.
“Judges Cherish and Benoit demand the teams hit the ground running in the longest challenge ever set, as they produce two desserts for a brutal halfway judging.
“After six relentless hours, one team will be sent home on the spot – leaving just two to go head-to-head for the coveted trophy as they work to complete a further three desserts and their banquets, producing five desserts in total…45 of each… over 200 stunning creations in total.”
Bake Off: The Professionals is available to watch on Channel 4.