Hopes for future? I want to combine my love of baking and travel
showstopper cake, [dedicated to his late grandmother] collapsed in the fridge. In a way, I felt I let my grandmother down.
The highest point would be getting appreciation from the judges on the Cake Week Showstopper.
Funniest moment in or out of the tent?
The funniest is probably when Noel asked me to give him a fist bump. I had no idea what you are supposed to do. When he showed me his fist, I just touched it with my hand. He left laughing and I asked the producers, ‘What have I done now?’.
Will this be a life change for you, or will life carry on as normal?
It is very difficult to comment on life post Bake Off. I personally want to carry on life as normal. So far, I have gone back to my normal life. Apart from getting recognised, it is still the same. I am willing to accept new challenges, learn new skills and push my boundaries to explore new baking horizons… FOCUSED Ruby works on a challenge What’s been your favourite challenge and least favourite?
The challenges this year were crazy. I mean, biscuit chandelier anyone? But there were a few weeks which I was eager to get to – Pastry and Patisserie Weeks being the main ones. Unsurprisingly, Vegan Week was the one I was dreading the most. I love vegan food, but have never tried my hand at vegan baking. I think it may have showed. Approaching the final, how were the nerves?
By the time I reached the final, I was exhausted in every sense. It was hard juggling Bake Off and work throughout the whole process and I somehow managed to find a few scraps of energy for weeks eight and nine. Never did I think I would have to gear myself up for the final. But the consolation was going into the tent with two great friends and enjoying it for one last weekend.
What was your lowest moment and your highest moment in the tent?
Highest moment in the tent was most definitely Star Baker in week nine – I love making patisserie and to secure a place in the final was incredible. The lowest moment, no surprise, was during Vegan Week and the cake slide. All my hopes and dreams lying in a cakey mound was not a great feeling.
Who did you want to impress – Paul or Prue, or both equally?
At the start, I was super keen to impress Prue. I have admired her for a long time and everything she has achieved. As the weeks went on, I did want the approval of both.
What are you hoping for now, is there an ultimate baking dream?
I would love to be able to combine my love of travel and baking. I am going to take some time out next year, travel to India and around Asia, learn new cooking and baking skills and bring them back to the UK. Ultimate baking dream? I’ll tell you when it happens.