BBC Two Planning 'Bake Off: the Professionals'

31 July 2015

BBC Two are planning a professional version of 'The Great British Bake Off'.

Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood

A casting call on the website Chefs In Scotland has revealed the channel's plans to have professional bakers go up against one another in a format similar to that of the hit show.

According to Radio Times magazine, it reads: "Love Productions - makers of 'The Great British Bake Off' - are launching a brand new TV series for BBC Two.

"We've brought the excitement of amateur homebaking to a wider audience. Now it's time to showcase and celebrate the elite from the world of professional pastry in the UK."

However, it appears that rather than having individual bakers go head to head, the professionals will instead be in teams of three.

The casting call continues: "We are looking for teams of three people to take part in a new series to find Britain's best pastry chefs. Whether you work in the best hotels, restaurants, top patisseries or high-end supplier we would love to hear from you.

"This is a ground breaking new series that will, for the first time, give professional pastry chefs across the country a platform to showcase their skill, passion and artistic flair in front of a TV audience.

"This will be an exciting celebration of patisserie in Britain and the people who dedicate their lives to their profession."

The magazine also claims to have seen a flyer with an application for the new show printed on it.

It reportedly says that contestants will have "little or no advance warning or preparation time", which is in keeping with the format of the original 'Bake Off'.

The document also states that the working title for the show is 'Bake Off: The Professionals', with filming scheduled to begin next month.

However, it is yet to be revealed whether Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry will be in charge of judging the professionals with Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins hosting as they do in 'Bake Off'.