RTVE Sweetens the Airwaves with ‘Top Chef: Sweets and Celebrities’
Following the conclusion of Bake Off: Baked Celebrities, Spanish public broadcaster RTVE is set to launch a new celebrity dessert competition, Top Chef: Sweets and Celebrities, promising a continuation of the sweet-toothed entertainment that captivated audiences. The new program will share a theme, producer – Boxfish – and broadcast channel, La 1, with its predecessor, and notably, will retain the presenter and two of the original judges.
The announcement comes as RTVE also unveils ‘ARIA’, a new opera talent show, specifying the role of Juanjo Bona alongside Ruth lorenzo and revealing the judging panel. However, it is Top Chef: Sweets and Celebrities that is currently generating notable buzz.
According to a statement released by the public channel, Paula Vázquez will host the new format, reuniting her with esteemed chefs Paco Roncero and Eva Arguiñano, who reprise their judging roles from Bake Off. A key change to the judging panel sees Argentine pastry chef Damián Betulár replaced by his compatriot, Osvaldo gross.
The first official group photo accompanying the RTVE announcement showcases the twelve contestants vying for the title of best celebrity pastry chef: Belén Esteban, Marina Castaño, Mariano Peña, Ivana Rodríguez, Samantha Ballentines, Eva Isanta, Roi Méndez, Natalia Rodríguez, Alejandro Vergara, Desirée Vila, Tote Fernández, and Luis Merlo.Merlo entered the competition at the last minute, stepping in to replace Antonio Resines, who withdrew for personal reasons.
Did you know?– The new show, Top Chef: Sweets and Celebrities, is a spin-off of Bake Off: Baked Celebrities. RTVE aims to capitalize on the success of the original show. The new show will feature a new host and a new judge.
Top Chef: Sweets and Celebrities will challenge participants to demonstrate their baking prowess through a series of culinary obstacles, ranging from classic desserts to innovative and avant-garde creations.
The Sweetest Presenter and Jury
Paula Vázquez, currently appearing in Hasta el fin del mundo, brings a wealth of experience in television and large-scale entertainment formats to the role. Her involvement is anticipated to deliver a dynamic, engaging, and exciting program.
Alongside Vázquez, a panel of three highly respected judges will evaluate the contestants’ flavor, technique, and presentation.
Paco Roncero, a prestigious chef holding two Michelin stars and renowned for his innovative approach to Spanish cuisine, will offer technical expertise and guide participants towards culinary excellence. “He will provide a technical and avant-garde approach and will guide the participants towards excellence,” a senior official stated.
Eva Arguiñano, a beloved figure in Spanish television known for her expertise in sweets, will bring her warmth, empathy, and teaching skills to the judging process. Arguiñano, from a family of cooks, will share the secrets of sweet cuisine accumulated throughout her extensive career.
Pro tip:– The show’s success hinges on the chemistry between the host,judges,and contestants. The judges’ expertise and the contestants’ skills will be key to the show’s appeal. The show will feature a variety of desserts.
Osvaldo Gross, a renowned A
