The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Underdog David crowned winner after tearful final
The only contestant to manage a souffle, he impressed with his picnic basket showstopper
Underdog David Atherton has been crowed winner of The Great British Bake Off after an emotional final.
He saw off competition from four-time star baker Steph Blackwell, and the steady talent of Alice Fevronia, who were left in tears during a stressful climax to the show.
David stunned Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith with his showstopper, and was the only contestant to present a serviceable souffle.
Steph was reduced to tears, saying “I just feel a bit stupid” after her own effort collapsed into liquid, and was given a hug by Hollywood after her showstopper was badly received.
Alice was left crying at the thought that her family might not arrive to see her finish the show.
David remained stress-free in the final, and wanted to enjoy the long process which has led to victory,
He said: “I saved the best ’til last, and it’s the best feeling in the world.
“I felt the pressure in the tent but I just didn’t get stressed, I did feel nervous but I didn’t let it get to me. I wanted to enjoy myself rather than having any negative feelings.”
Contestants were asked to craft a chocolate cake to a professional standard in the signature.
David’s rune and Armanganc creation was deemed “too boozy”, Alice was praised for her flavours and Steph impressed in the first challenge.
The competition favourite after numerous star baker wins, Steph struggled in the technical and was reduced to tears by her souffles, with
Noel Fielding saying her sudden dip in form in the final was “heartbreaking”.
Judge Paul Hollywood said of the Bake Off winner: “He has gone from nothing to win the whole thing; it’s priceless, absolutely priceless, he should be really proud of himself.”
Prue Leith added: “It was really a question of the tortoise catching the hare, he just steadily went on and won.”
David and all the bakers will join Jo Brand on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice at 8pm on Friday on Channel 4.