It came down to the wire in the Great British Bake Off final last night, with a magnificent chocolate chiffon cake from John Whaite taking him to victory.
We were backing Brendan Lynch for the win in our house: he consistently delivered baking brilliance throughout the series, but it seemed he was never going to get the win we thought he deserved as judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood preferred the more modern designs of young John.
The third finalist, James Morton, rather blew it in the final: it was a wing and a prayer, and four chiffon cakes, too far and he knew it.
Until the moment the winner was announced we really thought Brendan had it, but if anyone else was going to win then John was the man. He had a bit of a rollercoaster ride during the GBBO, including a rather bloody hand in one programme.
However, the judges were certain in their decision. Mary Berry said: “He showed us that he can bake to an exceedingly high standard with a modern twist.”
Paul Hollywood said: “The passion that the guy has is just phenomenal. I’m very proud of him.”
John was absolutely thrilled with his win. The law graduate is apparently now planning to head to Paris to pursue his dream of becoming a pâtissier.
It was a great final: it taught me never to try and make fondant fancies and was a fitting climax to a brilliant series. It also resulted in our office getting some fantastic baking to eat with our morning coffee: as one of our colleagues had their own GBBO to coincide with last night’s final. It seems everyone’s a winner. I hope Brendan feels that too.
GBBO is a superb show: it’s proper family entertainment and sparks a healthy interest in home baking across the UK. We have enjoyed watching it as a family and my husband and daughters are now planning a family baking contest. My youngest daughter said enthusiastically last night that entry was open for the next series and I should apply. I think I will perhaps hone my baking skills in my own kitchen a while longer. It will be fun doing that though.
Roll on the next GBBO series. We can’t wait!