Leeds teen to star in Channel 4's Junior Bake Off television series after beating thousands of applicants

After starting baking at a young age, Zack Cohen from Oakwood in Leeds will join 15 other junior bakers in the British television baking competition.

The 13-year-old was taught to bake by his mum Nikki Cohen and his grandma Leila but he now uses the internet to hone his skills.

Older brother-of-two Zack's baking speciality is bread and he is the go-to in the family for making traditional Jewish Challah bread and his younger brother Jules' birthday cake each year.

The self-taught bass guitar player said: "The moment I got home after seeing the leaflet advertising the series I got on my phone and filled in the application form as quickly as possible without any help.

"I told my mum and she wanted to have a look at what I'd done but I had already sent it off.

"I watch the programme each year and I thought it would be a great experience even to just go through the audition process.

"I've been baking my whole life, for as long as I can remember, and at a young age I would go to my grandma's and we would make cupcakes.

"My grandma Leila is my biggest inspiration.

"It's got to the point now where she thinks I'm better at baking than her so it's a bit awkward... but it's true!"

Zack said that if it wasn't for Covid he would have had a watch party when the series airs but instead will watch himself on the television at home with his mum, dad, sister Scarlett and brother Jules.

He added: "It's been impossible keeping this massive secret.

"I just want to shout about it and I can’t wait until it’s on TV and I can finally talk about it.

"I don’t like listening to myself usually on videos so I’m not sure how I will find watching myself but I think I will get used to it."

Zack also loves performing and acting and hopes viewers might see a bit of that side of him on the show.

Harry Hill will host the series as Liam Charles is joined by a new judge, professional pastry chef Ravneet Gill.

The series begins on January 11 but Zack is in "Heat B" so he will be in episodes from January 18.

The first challenge will see sponge baking and jelly making put to the test where bakers will be asked to follow Liam's recipe for a bake every baker has eaten before, but with an unusual twist.

The series will air on Channel 4 every week day from 5pm to 6pm.