Celebrity Bake Off: James McAvoy tastes sweet success as he wins Star Baker thanks to His Dark Materials inspired cake

James McAvoy was a superhero in the Bake Off tent after he was named Star Baker in the Stand Up To Cancer special, thanks to a Showstopper based on His Dark Materials.

The Scottish actor faced off against singer Anne-Marie, Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes and comedian David Baddiel.

He impressed with his scones, which put him first in the technical challenge, but it was his showstopper than eventually bagged him the coveted apron.

After his win he said: ‘Dame Kelly was doing gold medal level bakery, I think it must have been tight and I feel fortunate.

‘It is important to donate to Stand Up To Cancer, me getting to live out my fantasies in the Bake Off tent is not as important but it was a lovely thing to do so thank you very much.’

The celebrity bakers were tasked with making a 3D novelty cake with each star picking a different animal.

James’ cake was inspired by his role as Lord Asriel in the BBC series His Dark Materials.

Speaking to judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, he explained he had named his Piña colada snow leopard after his son.

The X-Men: First Class star said: ‘In the world of His Dark Materials every person’s soul manifests itself physically as some form of an animal, and so Lord Asriel’s soul manifests itself as Stelmaria, the snow leopard.’

Showing off his bake, James continued: ‘He’s had a bit of an issue being mauled by a mountain lion.’

Prue, who loved the rum in the icing, told him: ‘That is adorable. It’s got real personality.’

Paul said: ‘I think it’s a great cake. For someone that doesn’t bake that’s surprisingly good. I like that.’

James’ efforts saw him triumph just ahead of Dame Kelly, with Paul and Prue revealing what a close call it was.

‘You were up there as some of the best ones we’ve had in,’ Paul said.

The Great Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off is available on All 4.

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