A talented schoolboy from Cheam has made his mark in the world of baking by emerging as one of the runners-up in Junior Bake Off 2024.

Max Chow is a junior chef who took part in the latest series and was one of the final contestants.

Before filming began in summer 2023, 1,000 applicants took part in a pre-competition to get onto the show as potential contestants.

Each day, a junior chef was sent home, while 12-year-old Max remained until he secured a place as one of the sixteen junior chefs who would appear on screen.

Max then made it to the final four after winning Star Baker on Cake Day and Bread Day, which British baker and television presenter Liam Charles, and British pastry chef and presenter Ravneet Gill had judged.

Louise Chow, Max’s mum, said: “Max felt fantastic and was so excited when he found out he made it to the final.”

Louise said that she was “so proud and over the moon” when she found out and attributed Max’s achievement to his "great personality, friendliness, kindness, and excellent baking skills" that made him stand out among all the contestants.

Max began baking when he was younger, and the first thing he ever baked was a Victoria sponge, according to his mum.

The official The Great British Bake Off website describes Max as a “self-taught baker, but has been inspired by his nan, mum, and favourite TV chef, Gordon Ramsay.”

His profile states that Max loves the “step-by-step of baking and compares it to Lego.”

Louise added: “Max’s most famous for his chocolate chip cookies at home, and enjoys very honest feedback from his younger siblings.”

In the future, Max hopes to have a life in the culinary world as a chef and baker.

Louise said: “He hopes to start making his own videos about baking and demonstrating by building his baking profile.

“He’s open to all opportunities – we are so proud of him.”