A pastry chef at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala who made the finals of a Food Network baking competition in the Summer of 2023 will return to the network to compete in a new, Harry Potter-themed baking show.
Yohann Le Bescond is one of 18 individuals competing in the inaugural season of Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking. The new series will premiere on Food Network next week.
Le Bescond will complete alongside Kayla Giddings, a cake designer from Louisiana who is known for her “colorful, effervescent creations,” according to a statement from the television network.
Together, the team will compete against eight other teams comprised of pastry chefs and cake artists. All of the teams will be tasked with “creating massive, spellbinding and edible showpieces inspired by moments and themes from Harry Potter,” reads the statement.
The show is hosted by James and Oliver Phelps, who played the Weasley twins popularized by the Harry Potter book series.
Each episode will be judged by bakers and competition pros Carla Hall and Jozef Youssef, as well as special guests from the Harry Potter movies.
The new series on Food Network is the second to feature Le Bescond and his baking talents. The pastry chef previously finished as one of the top three finalists in the Summer Baking Championship series that aired in 2023.
During that baking series, Le Bescond was frequently praised by judges and fellow contestants for his exquisite creations and flavors.
“I am taking home long-life friends, happy memories and most importantly, the support of the community and my peers,” said Le Bescond of the experience at the time.
Le Bescond, who was born in France, was described by the Food Network as a “master at creating delicate French pastries.”
To cheer on Le Bescond during the competition, tune into Food Network on Thursday, November 14, at 8 p.m.
To follow the chef on social media, visit Yohann Le Bescond on Instagram.
