Bake Off stars tackle most 'demanding' challenge yet as competition airs on TV tonight

Bake Off: The Professionals continues on our screens tonight - and the chefs are set to take on the most demanding challenge yet. In tonight's (Tuesday 22 July) episode of the Channel 4 show, the semi-final gets under way as they compete in the Bake Off spin-off.

Not only is the nation watching as their souffles sink, but if Cherish and Benoit belittle their Bakewell tarts they know their bosses will be taking notes at home too…

With their reputations on the line, four teams of pastry pros nervously approach the semi-final. Tonight’s challenges are chocolate-themed, and there will be extra scrutiny from guest judge Gabriella Cugno, who worked as the official chocolatier on the blockbuster film Wonka. Gabriella knows exactly how to make delicious choccies look magical, and that’s what will be required from the teams tonight.

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First up, they must craft two different types of chocolate bar from scratch, and with no recipe to follow they are free to unleash their imaginations. Fun as it sounds, it’s quite the test for these bakers, who usually deal in cake rather than confectionery. Then it’s onto one of the most demanding showpiece challenges in the show’s history – ‘Floating Cities’.

The judges require the teams to create an edible, ornate, sturdy vessel, that will float on water carrying 24 immaculate petit fours. Of course, the wondrous treats will need to taste spectacular too, and each dessert must be identical to its neighbour. It’s a tantalising prospect, and the results are sure to be stunning – but not everyone will make it through to next week’s final. Imagine spending hours labouring on a sugary boat of dreams, only to be sent home…

Bake Off: The Professionals airs tonight at 8pm on Channel 4.

Coastal Adventures with Helen, Jules and JB

We’ve heard of whale watching, but tonight Jules Hudson is on the Pembrokeshire coast, trying to photograph porpoises. He’s taking part in a major conservation project run by Sea Trust Wales to protect the creatures, who prove quite difficult to spot.

Jules has definitely got the plum job this week, while poor Helen is thrown into cold waters, going surfing in Tynemouth. It turns out the North East is becoming quite the hotspot for the sport, and the quay is also home to wonderful fishing traditions, which she enjoys before tucking into a stunning seafood lunch – not such a short straw after all.

Later, JB reveals that Norfolk’s finest export, Colman’s mustard, owes its flavour to the sea air (who knew?), before setting sail from Burnham Overy Staithe. He hopes to emulate Nelson, but even with local skipper Ash giving him the best tuition, JB isn’t exactly a natural on the water…

Coastal Adventures with Helen, Jules & JB airs tonight at 8pm on Channel 5.

Mix Tape

It’s finally time for Alison and Daniel to meet up in Sydney, as they bite the bullet and meet for dinner. The electricity is still there between them, but when he broaches the subject of why she did a runner all those years ago, Alison clams up and asks for the bill.

Daniel is left confused and frustrated. At the same time his marriage is dealt another blow as Kat reacts badly to his revelation that he’s in Australia for work. Who does Dan really want to be with – and do either of the loves of his life want to be with him anymore?

As Alison deals with seeing Dan again – and her manager begs her to travel to England for publicity – she considers whether it’s time to tell him what really happened in Sheffield. Meanwhile, flashbacks give us a glimpse of the turmoil Alison was facing at home in 1989.

Mix Tape airs tonight at 9pm on BBC Two.

Emmerdale

Robert and Kim are all set for a secret meeting to hand over Annie’s Field, but Robert senses something isn’t quite right. He backs out of the deal, leaving Kim exasperated. Robert does some digging.

John is frustrated that Cain is still miserable, despite the news about Owen. Struggling with his emotions, Cain grills Liam. Liam insists he can’t break patient confidentiality and the pair come to blows.

Later, John feels guilty after a conversation with Liam, and messages the helpline again.

EastEnders

Julie and Phil can’t seem to agree on what’s best for Nigel. Billy convinces Phil he needs to try harder with her, despite their differences.

Linda talks to Oscar and reveals the truth about Annie’s paternity. She panics when he wants to tell Max. Linda finds Lauren, and insists she needs to change Oscar’s mind.

Avani tries to tell Priya she’s pregnant, but holds back. Later, Suki spots Avani looking at a family planning website.

Ravi is questioned by the police.

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