The 2022 series of everyone’s favourite baking comes to a close tomorrow. Everybody is crossing their fingers hoping that their favourite wins. Can’t quite remember who won in previous years? Don’t worry, we have all the Great British Bake Off Winners and what they’ve been up to since.
Cast your mind back to 12 years ago when The Great British Bake Off first aired. Were you watching? Or did it take you a couple of years of soggy bottoms and Paul’s handshakes to jump on the bandwagon? Eitherway, 12 people’s lives were changed forevermore when they became a Bake Off champion. Let’s have a look at what they’ve been up to since.
The Great British Bake Off Winners
From triumphant TV bakers, unforgettable Strictly dances and those who returned to normality, none of the winners’ lives turned out the same way. Starting from last year, let’s see how many you can remember.
2021 – Guiseppe Dell’Anno
Our current winner Guiseppe beat Chigs and Cryselle to lift the Bake Off trophy. Whatever you think of Jurgen’s exit the week before (still bitter, of course) Guiseppe was more than a worthy winner. Inspired by watching his father bake as a child, the Italian baker proved his father proud by claiming the title.
Since winning, Guiseppe has released his own cookbook, made many television appearances, and even connected with other Bake Off alumni raising awareness about engineering. It turns out baking and engineering have more in common than you think, as Guiseppe, Andrew and Rahul prove.
Though this does beg the question, does engineering help you win Bake Off?
Peter Sawkins – 2020
Edinburgh-born Peter became the youngest-ever winner back in 2020 when he beat Dave and Laura. Now 22, Peter released his first cooking book, Peter Bakes a little over a year ago. He shares a lot of his impressive bakes on his Instagram and is even appearing on an upcoming episode of the Weakest Link.
Peter released his second cooking book last month, coincidentally, the same day that some familiar faces also released theirs…
David Atherton – 2019
Next on our list of Bake Off winners is David who beat Alice and Steph back in 2019. Whilst any Great British Bake Off winner is impressive, David hadn’t even won a Star Baker that year. Taking ‘the underdog’ to the next level, David proved himself in the final when others couldn’t and became a worthy winner.
Since winning, David has released ‘My First Cookingbook,’ aimed to get kids cooking from an early age. Clearly, the baking bunch are all still tightly knitted as David also has a podcast with Michael Chakraverty, The Sticky Bun Boys!
Rahul Mandal – 2018
Who could ever forget Rahul? The mild-mannered shy baker won in 2018 after a series of fantastic bakes. Everything was on the edge of their seats in the final when a glass bowl broke into his bake. Luckily, Rahul was able to save the day and still rose to the top of the ranks.
Not only is Rahul filling his Instagram with stunning cakes and publishing multiple cookbooks, but he is also a doctor in nuclear engineering. Seriously, Rahul never ceases to amaze anyone.
Now, he campaigns to get kids into STEM whilst producing boggling bakes. Oh, and he even bakes Noel Fielding’s daughter’s birthday cake earlier this year.
Sophie Faldo – 2017
Whilst Sophie might not be the most memorable of Bake Off winners, her revelation at being the champion can never be forgotten.
Sophie was revealed as the winner by Prue Leith…on her Twitter… hours before the Great British Bake Off finale aired. Whoops. Still, her Ode to a Honeybee cake was definitely winner worthy.
The calamity behind her win hasn’t stopped her from going on to have a successful couture cakes business. From stunning spherical bakes to elaborate wedding cakes, it’s obvious that Sophie has retained her amazing baking skills.
She doesn’t post overly regularly on her Instagram, but it’s always well worth the wait when she does.
The Great British Bake Off Winners From The BBC
It’s hard to remember when Bake Off was on the BBC and we still had those marmite historical elements. These Bake Off winners were blessed by Mel and Sue and still hold a great place in our hearts.
Candice Brown – 2016
Possibly better known for her bright lipstick rather than her bakes, Candice was still a very worthy winner of the Bake Off trophy. Having been inspired by her Grandma, the ex-PE teacher has gone from strength to strength since winning the show.
Not only has she published multiple cooking books and become the owner of a restaurant, but she also has a column in the Sunday Times. Did we mention she also has several TV appearances under her belt as well? Success doesn’t even cover it!
Nadiya Hussein – 2015
Speaking of success, Nadiya Hussein has taken the world by storm since her Bake Off win in 2015. The nation fell in love with her charisma and wit which saw her get multiple cooking shows, cooking books and a Sunday Times column.
In 2017, Nadiya was named one of the 500 most influential people in the UK. This wasn’t just for her baking outreach, but also her work to improve Muslim relations in Britain.
Truly an inspiration to us all, Nadiya doesn’t show any signs of stopping any time soon.
Nancy Birtwhistle – 2014
Most famous for her miniature Moulin Rouge, Nancy Birtwhistle hasn’t quite reached the same dizzying heights of fame that her predecessors have. But that doesn’t mean her work hasn’t been important. Another underdog, Nancy beat Richard to take the title in 2014.
Since winning, nancy has taken her baking on the road and done numerous demonstrations at schools and on cruise ships. She also keeps a blog where she regularly updates her followers on her baking antics — as well as life as a Grandma of 8!
Because of Bake Off, she also landed an acting role in a stage role! Truly, Nancy is a woman of many talents. She has also released 3 books, 2 of which heavily promote green living.
Frances Quinn – 2013
Frances won in 2013 and impressive the judges with her 3 tiered wedding cake. She’s since gone on to release a book and appeared on TV and radio.
Nowadays, she tends to share her delicous baking on Instagram.
John Whaite – 2012
John won back in the early days of Bake Off and has since proven himself even more. After winning, he pursued a career in the kitchen and and gained a patisserie diploma from Le Cordon Bleu. He’s appeared on Lorraine, released cookbooks and even opened up his own culinary school in Lancanshire. We’re pretty sure there was something else as well…
Of course! John was on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing with Johannes Radebe. Who on earth could forget that Pirates of the Caribbean dance that captivated the nation! It’s certainly not just baking that John has a talent for!
Jo Wheatley – 2011
Although Jo struggled with criticism on her stint on Bake Off, that didn’t stop her winning the series. The loveable mum of three is now a Grandma!
Though her Instagram is now private, Jo had previously shared her baking endeavours with her fans. You can still see her bakes in her two successfull cooking books and on her blog. She also has a cookery school in her hometown of Essex.
Edd Kimber – 2011
Back in 2011, The Great British Bake Off was very different to what it is now. Only 10 bakers, six weeks long and no star bakers! It’s hard to remember all those years ago, but it was very memorable for Edd Kimber.
As well as releasing three cooking books since his win, Edd regularly contributes to BBC Good Foods and Waitrose Kitchen. Possibly more spectacular than that, he even did a stint at Raymond Blanc’s world renowned kitchen, Le Manoir.
Starting off has a debt collector, it’s clear to see that those days are long behind him!