Bake Off Crème de la Crème

In the first semi-final, the teams must create six identical and multi-layered crown entremet - large circular sharing desserts comprising of many complimentary flavours and textures. At the same time, they have to prepare all the elements needed to perform a spectacular piece of gourmet theatre known as live table plating, creating a dessert drawing on the theme of tropical fruits. At the end of the challenge, the teams are given three minutes to transform their table into a gastronomic work of art, under the unwavering gaze of judges Cherish Finden and Benoit Blin. For their next challenge the teams are required to display their mastery of one of the most highly regarded skills in patisserie, sugar craft. Over four hours, they must produce a jaw-dropping sugar showpiece, along with three types of delicious confectionery, all reflecting the theme of an English country garden.

In the second semi-final, the teams must each create six perfectly uniform buche entremet - large log-shaped sharing desserts comprising multiple layers of flavours and textures. At the same time, all the elements required for their live table plated dessert must be prepared. At the end of the challenge, the teams are asked to perform a three-minute piece of gastronomic theatre in front of judges Cherish Finden and Benoit Blin, evoking the theme of orchard fruits. For the showpiece, the teams must build an incredible centrepiece made entirely from sugar, based on the theme of a jungle paradise. They must also create three types of mouthwatering confectionary - 240 sweets in total. After all that, the points are added up and one team has to bid farewell, whilst the other wins the remaining place in the grand final.

Hosted by Angus Deayton in the sumptuous setting of Firle Place, Sussex, television's toughest bake off reaches its dramatic conclusion, as two teams of professional pastry chefs lock horns over the most demanding assignment yet. This monumental task takes the form of a single, epic eight-hour challenge, which is judged and then served to over 100 assembled guests in the Great Hall, including friends, family and familiar faces from across the series, in a party hosted by Lord and Lady Gage. Judges Cherish Finden and Benoit Blin are demanding a spectacular display, comprising of an awe-inspiring sculptural centrepiece and eight batches of immaculately presented, mouthwatering desserts, all based around a theme of the teams' choosing. But who will impress the judges the most with their command of flavour and texture and who will have the edge when it comes to audacious originality and eye-popping artistry? At the end of it all, one team is crowned Creme De La Creme champions 2017.