CELEBTODAY – A spin-off version of The Great British Bake Off, designed for the youngest of cake makers, is in the running for a children’s Bafta. Junior Bake Off launched on CBBC with judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry in 2011, following the huge and unexpected success of The Great British Bake Off.
Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, whose double entendres have raised eyebrows on the grown-ups’ BBC1 show, are replaced as presenter by chef Aaron Craze in the children’s version.
The show is up for best entertainment programme, alongside pirate-themed Swashbuckle (CBeebies), Hacker Time, about a dog’s quest for chat show stardom (CBBC), and Fort Boyard: Ultimate Challenge (CITV), at the British Academy Children’s Awards.
Katie Morag, a CBeebies drama following the adventures of a girl living on a Scottish island, leads the nominations.
Based on books by Mairi Hedderwick, the series is up for three gongs – d rama and writer as well as performer for Cherry Campbell, who was eight when she landed the role last year.
The young actress, from Glasgow, will be facing competition from a more seasoned actor, 85-year-old Bernard Cribbins, for the performer prize.
He is in the running for his role as a former seafarer in CBeebies show Old Jack’s Boat.
The animation category features CBBC shows Dennis The Menace & Gnasher, Shaun The Sheep and Strange Hill High, alongside The Amazing World Of Gumball (Cartoon Network).
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob SquarePants are among the contenders for the international section.
The awards, hosted by rapper and comedian Doc Brown, will be held in London on November 23.
