Two of the first batch to enter the Bake Off tent, Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp and comedian Harry Hill, have very personal reasons for signing up.
Chart-topper Martin, who was diagnosed with brain tumours in 1995, said: “They were benign but it’s a flip of the coin – I can relate. Cancer affects all of us indirectly or directly.”
TV Burp presenter Harry used to work as a doctor and knows all about the disease.
He said: “I am an ex-doctor and a human being and you get to 53 and your friends start getting cancer and it becomes real.
“My stepfather and friends died recently but I know someone who beat it so I’m aware this research has a positive impact on mortality rates.
“There have been huge advancements in my lifetime and that’s down to research funding.”
The pair are joined on the first of five special programmes by Classic FM presenter Bill Turnbull and comedienne Roisin Conaty.
While the baking contest has a serious message, presenters Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding alongside judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood are on hand to add sauce to the proceedings.
On tasting Bill’s football-style Wycombe Wanderers-themed cup cakes, Prue tells him: “When you get a whole mouthful it’s very good.”
When Paul spots the footballs on top, he chuckles: “Your balls look good.”
Bill replies cheekily: “You’re not the first person to say that.”
The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer airs tomorrow on Channel 4 at 8pm.
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