The Great Sport Relief Bake Off, a celebrity-fueled charity special, delivered a sweet victory for Kimberley Walsh of Girls Aloud in 2016. While the event, covered extensively by The Telegraph, Comic Relief, GoodtoKnow, Digital Spy, and Royal Television Society, Walsh secured the coveted Star Baker apron with a mountainous Kilimanjaro-themed showstopper cake.
The competition proved stiff, with former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls finishing as runner-up. Balls impressed with a ski jump cake, well-received football muffins, but stumbled with soggy-bottomed pies. Chris Kamara, the football pundit, emerged as a popular figure, while Victoria Coren, known for her wit, excelled in savory baking but struggled with sweeter creations.
Ed Balls: The Eternal Bridesmaid
Having lost his seat in the May election prior to the broadcast, Ed Balls found himself narrowly defeated by Walsh in the race for the Star Baker apron. However, reports suggest he won over viewers with his enthusiasm, likability, and family warmth. Mary Berry even indicated she would be taking tips from his baking, a testament to his surprisingly accomplished skills. The Telegraph noted he didn’t quite match the previous week’s winner, Samantha Cameron.
Walsh’s Worthy Win
Kimberley Walsh, described as self-effacing, quietly rose through the ranks, securing joint second place in the signature round, second in the technical challenge, and ultimately winning with her impressive showstopper. The Orla Kiely-designed Star Baker apron was a well-deserved reward.
Kammy’s Popularity Contest
Chris Kamara, affectionately known as “Kammy,” proved to be a crowd favorite, reminiscent of footballer David James from the previous week. His infectious laugh and “have-a-go” spirit resonated with viewers. While his muffins were jokingly described as tasting like paint, his Victoria sponge was a triumph.
A Squirrelly Interlude
The broadcast included playful cutaway shots to a squirrel scampering around the grounds, a nod to a memorable squirrel from a previous season.
Coren’s Witty, But Salty, Effort
Victoria Coren brought her signature wit to the tent, but her salty sea dog showstopper ultimately let her down. Jennifer Saunders quipped that Coren’s baking didn’t involve Worcestershire Sauce.
Berry’s Confessions
Mary Berry revealed she was an Everton fan who had never visited Goodison Park or tasted a Bloody Mary, prompting calls for someone to remedy both oversights.
Saunders’ Warm Presence
Guest presenter Jennifer Saunders provided a warmly witty presence, encouraging the bakers and gently teasing the judges.
A Tear-Jerking VT
The show featured a moving segment about Hughie and Linda, a couple coping with dementia, and the benefits of Sport Relief-funded support sessions.
The competition culminated in Kimberley Walsh being crowned Star Baker, marking a successful fundraising event for Sport Relief. The broadcast highlighted the skills of all the celebrity bakers and the importance of the charity’s work.
The technical challenge involved football pies, while the showstopper required a tiered cake representing an extreme sport. Ed Balls created a ski jump cake, Victoria Coren a yacht, Chris Kamara a body-boarding scene, and Kimberley Walsh a recreation of her Mount Kilimanjaro climb.
As of , the event remains a fondly remembered installment in the Great Sport Relief Bake Off series.
