I’m not ready to go for the dough... Bake Off champion puts studies first
THE two losing finalists from The Great British Bake Off hope it is a recipe for them to make money from a cookery career – but young winner Peter Sawkins is to shun the spotlight to concentrate on his degree.
The 20 year old’s instant fame is already reflected on social media – his Instagram account Peter Bakes has more than 100,000 fans while a record 9.2 million saw his win on Channel 4, with a peak of 10.4million.
Yet although he may one day carve out a career as a cookbook writer and celebrity chef, his priority is his studies.
Finance undergraduate Peter said: “I am studying at Edinburgh University, and it’s my third year in a four- year degree; it’s been an interesting year generally. It is an odd start for any student, and then add on Bake Off and it’s even more bizarre. I have started to be recognized a little bit more, but everyone has been such good fun and supportive, it’s been a really enjoyable experience.
“I’m looking forward to baking a few things at a relaxed pace for friends and family who won’t be scrutinising my bakes quite as closely as the judges! I don’t know what will come out of this but I hope there are a few fun opportunities.”
His rival finalists are already planning their futures in food.
Security guard Dave Friday, 30, said: “I hope to have a career in baking, specifically to get into sugar work and chocolate sculpting.” Digital manager Laura Adlington, 31, would like to be a TV baking star. She said: “I’m a big foodie and hugely passionate about baking, so hopefully it will lead to other opportunities. The ultimate dream is to develop my own recipes to showcase my love of proper, made- from- the- heart, comfort food. Baking with Holly and Phil on This Morning is also on my bucket list.
“Although not baking- related, I’m really into my plus- size fashion so would love to get involved in that world and help inspire body confidence in other women.”
A show source said Peter was the one who would be most in demand – but he would not let his studies suffer. They added: “He is a down to earth lad and he will want to enjoy his success but also to get his head down and pass his degree with top marks. He is very level- headed for his age.”
Meanwhile Bake Off producers Love Productions are looking for more diverse applicants, and a show booker messaged Facebook group Black Owned Economy, which promotes black businesses. They said: “Bake Off has launched its applications for 2021 and I’m trying to spread the word, reaching people that haven’t thought about applying. We want the show to be really inclusive and representational of modern Britain.”
After this week’s final, Peter – the show’s youngest winner – was asked by bosses to tell viewers why they should apply.
He said: “I can’t recommend doing it enough. You get to meet some incredibly enthusiastic, energetic and passionate people. It has been a huge leap out of my comfort zone and helped me to develop.”