Debut from GBBO's Liam Charles to Hodder

"The Great British Bake Off" contestant Liam Charles, aka "cake boy" to his friends, has signed with Hodder & Stoughton to publish his debut cookbook.

The 20-year-old drama student, who only took to baking four years ago, was relegated from the tent after episode eight having previously earned the title of 'Star Baker in Pastry' week and praise for his Salted Peanut Butter Millionaire Shortbreads.

In his book, Charles will share over 70 of his best recipes, divided into chapters on: Sweet; Savoury, Nostalgic, Celebrate and Simple. Hodder bought world rights from agent Vivienne Cloreand and will publish in July 2018 in hardback. 

"Although he’s only been baking properly for 4 years, Liam is a fantastic cook with an instinctive feel for what people enjoy eating," commented Lifestyle editorial director Nicky Ross. "His whole approach is super relaxed and fun which is obviously going to appeal to the young, but he’s also brilliant at picking up on the latest trends so his recipes genuinely feel exciting and new with plenty to inspire more experienced bakers too."

Charles said: "This book is gonna be banging. Baking is a universal language that brings us all together and I can’t wait to get cracking and spread the word."

News of Charles' book follows Bluebird's deal with 2017 GBBO judge Prue Leith for her first cookbook in 25 years. It was secured in a "hotly contested" seven-way auction, as reported on in October.