Celebrity Bake Off star Jim Howick's life - from famous co-star wife to Netflix role

The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer has returned to our screens, boasting a star-studded roster that includes Scarlette Douglas, Kate Garraway, and Gloria Hunniford.

Actor Jim Howick, known from hit series like Peep Show, Here We Go, and Sex Education, will also participate.

This 45-year-old is ready to show his skills in the Bake Off tent on Sunday (13 April). Jim specialises in making all things savoury, most notably pasties and pies, so his culinary knowledge may help him on the Channel 4 show.

"I have a new-found respect for bakers because it is an exact science," Jim confessed. "It's a chemistry lesson, and a craft rolled into one. I'm an average baker, but I've got a long way to go before I can safely say I can bake well."

Hailing from Chichester, West Sussex, but raised in Bognor Regis, Jim studied at The Regis School before clinching First Class Honours at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in 2000.

His career has been hugely successful so far, as he's not only acted but also penned scripts. Co-creator and star of the eight-part series Yonderland on Sky One, he's also appeared in the comedy film Bill.

Additionally, Jim has made a name for himself with roles such as Gerard in Peep Show, Gerry in Babylon, and Anthony in Reggie Perrin. His versatility extends to sketch comedy too, having featured in The Armstrong and Miller Show as well as The Kevin Bishop Show.

In 2019, he debuted on as Mr Hendricks in Sex Education. Fans will also recognise him from ITV's Broadchurch, as well as BBC One's Ghosts, which he co-wrote and co-created.

More recently, Jim played Paul Jessop in BBC's Here We Go, reports .

Away from TV and acting, Jim is happily married to his wife, Lauren. The couple met on the set of Reggie Perrin and tied the knot in 2012.

Jim and Lauren, a costume designer, reside in London together with their two pet Schnauzers. The actor is a Tottenham Hotspur supporter, having revealed he is a ticket holder and attends games with fellow stars Mat Baynton, Jamie Demetriou, and Paul Whitehouse.

The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer airs on Channel 4 on Sundays at 8pm