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Two winners have been crowned for the 2026 series of Bake Off: The Professionals after an emotional final.

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.

Viewers of Love Island were left stunned by the latest recoupling news after Sam made his moves with the latest two bombshells to enter the villa

Love Island fans were quick to have their say about the latest recoupling drama. A surprising text sent shockwaves through the villa, with Yasmin telling them all they must gather around the fire pit immediately.

Bombshells Namibia and Victoria were given the option to pick first, with both new arrivals having been flirting with Sam. And Namibia immediately chose Sam, leaving Victoria frowning. And she threw a spanner into the works as she chose Ope, despite him making it known he was all eyes on Angelista.

Ope hugged the bombshell before sulking back into the chair. Angelista looked fuming before the episode ended. But despite Ope’s reaction, fans claimed he would have been ecstatic on the inside.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, one user wrote: “Ope acting like he’s going to the electric chair being picked by Victoria when I know he’s gassed on the inside.”

Another added: “Ope wanted this so why is he huffing and puffing??? fool.” And a third said: “Ope with this bad acting.” Earlier in the episode fans watched at Sam wasted no time exploring his options and try to move on from his friendship couple with Robyn. And it all appeared to be going well.

As he pulled Namibia for a chat, he asked her: “Would you say I’m your favourite in here?” And he was met with a positive response as she teased: “Yeah, you’re up there.”

He picked up on the flirty vibes and admitted he fancied her. He went on to reveal if it was up to him, he would recouple with her.

When Victoria later asked of any bold moves he was planning, he decided to take her on a private tour of their living space. The duo ended up on the famous terrace and locked eyes on each other.

As they reflect on their time in the Villa, Sam confessed that the arrival of the two Bombshells was a welcome surprise.Victoria later asked him which of the bombshell has made him happier.

“When you like something you’ve got to go for it… and I like you,” Sam said. And the pair locked lips, much to Namibia’s dismay. He admitted to the boys that he “kind of f***ed up” with his actions, looking concerned.

But the triangle continued the following afternoon after Sam invited Namibia to the Hideaway away from prying eyes.

While tucked away, he told her: “I still fancy you the most in here, I think you’re beautiful.” But the moment was quickly clocked by Victoria. Away from the group, Sam made his move after telling Victoria he won’t be kissing Namibia again.

LOVE ISLAND CONTINUES TOMORROW AT 9PM ON ITV2 AND ITVX

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