Michael’s anguish behind TV smiles Mental health fight of Bake Off star
garlic in my Keralan star bread in week three. That was when I got my ‘Hollywood handshake,’ which was a complete shock – I didn’t know what to do with myself.
“The best bit of the series for me has been meeting this new family of friends that I have made.
“And I’m now spending all my time travelling around the country to meet up with different bakers.
“The worst bit would be realising how sharp the knives are in the tent – even the butter knives were sharp. I’m happy to confirm that my fingers have recovered and that I lost no digits during the filming of the series.
“I have no reservations or regrets, I wouldn’t have done anything differently in the tent.
“I learned a lot and I wouldn’t be where I am now if I had changed anything. If I hadn’t felt the lows I wouldn’t have appreciated the highs.”
Michael, who is still baking between stints working at a theatre and in a gym, was grateful to judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith for their feedback, but reserved special praise for presenters Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding and his fellow contestants.
“I never thought I would get past the first audition, never mind getting to week seven,” he revealed.
“What a brilliant achievement for me. I had the time of my life and I was lucky enough to share it with both the people in front and behind the cameras.
“I honestly feel I couldn’t have done the series without the support of Noel and Sandi. They were truly special, they knew when to tease and to laugh, and I felt that they were on the Bake Off rollercoaster with me.
“They got really emotional at my leaving and that really moved me.
“I am in awe of the incredible quarter-finalists – and I can’t wait to tune in to see what they get up to.”