We just can't get enough of The Great British Bake Off, but what happens to the contestants once they disappear from our screens? Let's check in with some of our favourites.
We've cheered on our favourite Great British Bake Off contestants over the years as they've taken part in tough baking challenges and made their signature bakes for the discerning eyes and tastebuds of judges. The presenting line up has been mixed up in recent years, with a new Bake Off host replacing fan-favourite Matt Lucas this year and fans who miss the show are keen to know who left Bake Off last night?
With viewers just as interested in the lives of the judges and hosts as those taking part in the show, they devour news of Noel Fielding, Paul Hollywood and others, away from the cameras. But what has happened to some of our favourite contestants from previous years - was taking part in the Bake Off a passport to fame and fortune? Read on for everything we know.
2022 Great British Bake Off Contestants:
Dr Syabira Yusoff
Who? Winner of The Great British Bake Off 2022
Where is she now? Since winning Bake Off, Syabira now performs demonstrations at food events and festivals, and teaches masterclasses in Malaysian baking. She initially moved to the UK in 2013 to undertake a PhD in Genetics and Genome biology, and began baking Malaysian inspired cakes in 2017 when missing her family and tastes of her home country.
Did she release a cookbook? Syabira has not yet released a cookbook.
Sandro Farmhouse
Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2022.
Where is he now? Since becoming a household name as a Bake Off runner up, Sandro has done very well for himself. He can be found showcasing his skills as the resident baker on ITV’s Lorraine, and undertakes work for Google making showstopper cakes based on top trending searches. He has undertaken modelling work for the likes of River Island, and is an ambassador for the National Autistic Society.
Did he release a cookbook? Yes, Sandro's cookbook Good Vibes Baking: Bakes To Make Your Soul Shine and Your Taste Buds Sing, is available to purchase from Waterstones and other book stores. The recipes are described as "Uplifting antidotes to every mood or occasion," that will "Elevate your baking skills and lift your spirits, too."
Abdul Sharif
Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2022.
Where is he now? Not as active as some other contestants on social media, Abdul's Instagram account states he is an "Engineer by day, dessert devourer by night." This suggests he still undertakes his original line of work in electronic engineering. He is also listed on the Champions Speakers website as a speaker to be hired for events.
Did he release a cookbook? No, Abdul has not released a cookbook.
2021 Great British Bake Off Contestants:
Giuseppe Dell'Anno
Who? Winner of The Great British Bake Off 2021.
Where is he now? Now based in Bristol, Giuseppe is fully immersed in the world of baking as a popular media personality. He is a successful author, and the Italian native has appeared as a judge for Bake Off Italia.
Did he release a cookbook? Yes, Giuseppe's first cookbook, Giuseppe's Italian Bakes: Over 60 Classic Cakes, Desserts and Savoury Bakes, was released in 2022. The book is a step-by-step guide to creating Italian favourites including panna cotta, tiramisù, rum baba, Sicilian cannoli and pizza. He is releasing a follow up book in Autumn 2023, entitled Giuseppe's Easy Bakes: Sweet Italian Treats, encompassing easy-bake cakes and biscuits and small bites. The baker also contributed to The Great British Bake Off: A Bake for all Seasons: The official 2021 Great British Bake Off book - all are available to order/pre-order on Amazon.
Chigs Parmar
Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2021.
Where is he now? It has been rumoured that Chigs returned to his original job as sales manager for Domestic and General. He only discovered a passion for baking during lockdown, finding his way to the infamous tent just a year later - it has been suggested he wishes to hone his craft before turning baking into his business. He also appears often on Instagram alongside fellow 2021 contestant George Aristidou, with the pair sharing videos of themselves baking recipes from various cookbooks.
Did he release a cookbook? No, Chigs has yet to release a cookbook of his own.
Crystelle Pereira
Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2021.
Where is she now? Quitting her job in finance, Crystelle is now a full time chef and baker. She recently spoke to Country and Town House about her life, saying "Life is great, very hectic, but I am genuinely loving every minute of it. I no longer work in finance anymore, so I get to cook and bake for a living, which I am so grateful for. I’ve been to America to cook on TV there, hosted some really fun supper clubs, and even met the King of England, which doesn’t happen every day!"
Did she release a cookbook? Yes, Crystelle has released a cookbook entitled Flavour Kitchen: Vibrant Recipes with Creative Twists. Showcasing both her love for baking and savoury dishes, the 75 recipes feature curries, pastas, salads, alongside the expected cakes, breads and brownies. The book is available to purchase from Amazon and other book stores.
2020 Great British Bake Off Contestants:
Peter Sawkins
Who? Winner of The Great British Bake Off 2020.
Where is he now? The youngest ever Bake Off winner, Peter was just 20-years-old when he won the show, and still at university. While simultaneously making television appearances, Peter returned to his studies to finish his degree in Accounting and Finance at the University of Edinburgh.
He recently shared a graduation photo on July 7 this year, with the caption "5 years learning in this amazing city surrounded by the most incredible friends. I feel very blessed!"
Did he release a cookbook? Yes, Peter has also found the time to release two cookbooks, even while finishing his degree. Peter Bakes was released in 2021, featuring recipes for beginners to elaborate showstoppers. You can also find Cranachan Cake, Christmas Croquembouche, Mini Carrot Cakes and other favourites. Peter's Baking Party: Fun & Tasty Recipes for Future Baking Stars! followed in 2022, aiming to inspire kids to get creative in the kitchen. Both books can be purchased from Amazon.
Laura Adlington
Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2020.
Where is she now? Laura doesn't share a huge amount of baking to her social media channels. Instead, she posts plus size fashion and body confidence tips, and runs the award-winning podcast, Go Love Yourself. In July, she announced her very own clothing collection was launching with In The Style.
Sharing the news to Instagram, Laura wrote "The secret is out!!! THE STYLE x LAURA ADLINGTON! Eeeeeek!!!!! This is a real ‘pinch me’ moment! I’m SO SO excited to announce that I have my VERY OWN collection with @inthestyle and it launches on THURSDAY at 7pm on the app!" The collection features a variety of clothes in vibrant prints, in sizes 12-32.
Did she release a cookbook? Laura hasn't released a cookbook, but has a book due for release in 2024, called Diet Starts Monday: Ditch the Scales, Reclaim Your Body and Live Life to the Full. With advice from doctors, psychologists and nutritionists, the book will explore the detrimental nature of diet culture on health, offering practical advice to readers to find peace with their bodies.
Dave Friday
Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2020.
Where is he now? Since being a runner up on the show, Dave makes regular appearances at food festivals, and is commissioned to create cakes for special occasions. He is often found sharing ideas to his Instagram followers, alongside his adorable son, Ronnie. The pair also share videos to a YouTube channel, called Ronnie and Daddy bakes.
Did he release a cookbook? No, Dave has not released a cookbook.
2019 Great British Bake Off Contestants:
David Atherton
