Leeds 14-year-old Zack Cohen, whose challah is a culinary speciality, is one of the contestants in Junior Bake Off, which returns on Channel 4 on Monday.

Taught by his mum and grandma, he now uses the internet to hone his cookery skills. His style is described as “chaotic and crazy”.

“I’ve been baking for as long as I can remember,” Zack said. “At a young age I would go to my grandma’s and we would make cupcakes. I remember one time she had edible wafer paper of footballs. I found it unbelievable that you can eat paper.

“I love trying different things and experimenting with new ideas, usually stuff I’ve watched videos of on social media. I do love making bread and I’ve made a lot of it during lockdown. A speciality one is seasoned with za’atar. It’s delicious.”

He applied to Bake Off after seeing the new series advertised locally and thinking: “Why not give it a go? I watch it each year and I thought it’s a great experience even just to go through the audition process.”

Zack is excited that the series is finally being aired.  “I had planned a bit of a watch party but Covid restrictions have ruined that. But, I will definitely watch with my mum, dad, sister Scarlett and brother Jules, even if we can’t have anyone else over. 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.”