Great British Bake Off contestants: Where are they now?

Wondering where your favourite Bake Off winners have got to? Find out what Nadiya Hussain, Nancy Birtwhistle and others favourites are now...

Great British Bake Off contestants

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

Syabira Yusoff, who won series 13 of Bake Off, attending the West End opening of The Great British Bake Off, at the Noel Coward Theatre, London

(Image credit: PA Images/Alamy)

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

Sandro Farmhouse attends the "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" UK Special Screening at Cineworld Leicester Square in London

(Image credit: Brett Cove/SOPA Images/Sipa USA/Alamy)

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

Abdul Sharif appearing on Bake Off 2022

(Image credit: Channel 4)

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

Guiseppe Dell'Anno attending the West End opening of The Great British Bake Off, at the Noel Coward Theatre, London

(Image credit: PA Images/Alamy)

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

Chigs Parmar appearing on The Great British Bake Off in 2021

(Image credit: Channel 4)

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

Crystelle Pereira attends the world premiere of Ticket To Paradise at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London.

(Image credit: SOPA Images Limited/Alamy)

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

Peter Sawkins appearing on Bake Off in 2020

(Image credit: Channel 4)

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

Laura Adlington attending the press day for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023 in London

(Image credit: Brett Cove/SOPA Images/Sipa USA/Alamy)

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

Dave Friday, 2020 Bake Off finalist with his cake in the shape of an Austin J40 pedal car and the Duke of Richmond and Gordons Austin J40 at the Settrington Cup test day in Goodwood

(Image credit: Malcolm Greig/Alamy)

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

Credit: Getty

Who? Winner of The Great British Bake Off 2019

Where is he now? Formally a health advisor, David shares his recipes and travel photos on Instagram. In 2022, David launched the podcast Sticky Bun Boys with other former Bake Off contestant Michael Chakraverty. He also works as a chef tutor at the ProCook Cookery School, which is headed up by 2017 runner up, Steven Carter-Bailey. 

Did he release a cookbook? David has now released a multitude of cookbooks, with the first being My First Cookbook. This focuses on exciting and fun recipes to inspire children to get cooking in the kitchen. He has also released the titles David Atherton's Baking Book, Good To Eat, My First Baking Book, My First Green Cookbook, and Bake, Make, and Learn To Cook. The entire collection can be purchased from Amazon

Steph Blackwell

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2019

Where is she now? Since being named runner-up on the show in 2019, Steph Blackwell has become a public advocate for speaking up about mental health issues. In an interview with the Independent this year, she described how she felt 'overwhelmed' by the messages she receives from people about how her story has helped them. She has also written columns for Cheshire Life newspaper alongside her mental health awareness work.

Did she release a cookbook? Yes, Steph has released two cookbooks. The first was  The Joy of Baking: The everyday zen of watching bread rise, released in 2021. The book promises to help readers "Discover the therapeutic power of baking in this warm and uplifting book, and embrace a world of floury calm with 20 mouth-watering recipes." She went on to release Bake Yourself Happy: 50 recipes to bring you joy, in 2022 - this book focuses on the power of cooking on mental health, with both books available on Amazon

Alice Fevronia

Credit: Getty

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2019

Where is she now? Following her time on Great British Bake Off, Alice returned to teaching geography - she remains a geography teacher in 2023. She uses her fabulous baking skills in lessons to demonstrate 'everything from coastal erosion to volcanic activity'. She continues to bake in her spare time, documenting beautiful cakes on her social media pages.

Did she release a cookbook?: Alice also hasn't released a cookbook yet, but she also contributed to the Amazing Cakes cookbook that's now available to buy on Amazon.

2018 Great British Bake Off Contestants:

Rahul Mandal

Credit: Getty Images

Who? Winner of The Great British Bake Off 2018

Where is he now? Since winning the series, Rahul has kept himself busy by going back to his job as an engineering researcher at the University of Sheffield's Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. He also regularly shares photos of his latest baked creations on Instagram, and even carried out a baking demonstration for students at the University of Sheffield.

Did he release a cookbook? Yes, Rahul released cookbook Showstopping Cakes: Mastering the Art and Science of Baking in 2022; this combines his love of science with his talent for baking. His recipes also feature in the Great British Bake Off: Get Baking for Friends cookbook released in 2018. Rahul's self-described 'East-meets-West' style of baking, joined with his interest in the science of baking makes for an exciting collection of recipes by the 2018 winner.

Kim-Joy

Credit: Getty Images

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2018

Where is she now? Since becoming runner up in the 2018 series, the former mental health specialist has written a baking column for The Guardian. Kim-Joy remains an avid baker and has an active baking Instagram page, where she posts pictures of her creations as well as her travels.

Did she release a cookbook?: Kim-Joy has wowed her Bake Off fans with her first cookbook, Baking with Kim-Joy, which hit bookshelves in August 2019. Her second book, Christmas with Kim-Joy soon followed, along with Celebrate with Kim-Joy: Cute Cakes and Bakes to Make Every Occasion. Her latest cookbook is called Bake Me a Cat: 50 Purrfect Recipes for Edible Kitty Cakes, and she's even branched out into creating graphic novels! Her entire collection of works can be purchased from Amazon.

Ruby Bhogal

Credit: Getty Images

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2018

Where is she now? Fitness fanatic Ruby has utilised her baking skills to help Cancer Research UK. She shares updates on her life and beautiful pictures of cakes and bakes on her Instagram feed. Alongside numerous TV appearances, she has written food columns and recipes for the likes of GQ online, The Times and Waitrose Magazine. 

She regularly appears at food events and performs live cooking demos. She has launched her own company, Baked by Rubes, which sells vegan cookies and other bakes. 

Did she release a cookbook?: Ruby, along with fellow 2018 contestants Manon and Anthony and Masterchef's Billy and Jack, has donated original recipes to the Master Bakers Charity Recipe eBook to raise funds for the charity. 

Manon Lagreve

Great British Bake Off contestants

Credit: Getty Images

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2018

Where is she now? Originally from France, former Software Project Manager Manon Lagreve shares her fresh take on French cooking on her dedicated lifestyle website of the same name. She also welcomed daughter Fleur in 2021, and married husband Luke in 2022.  

Did she release a cookbook? Yes, Manon released Et Voila!: A Simple French Baking Love Story in April 2023. The book shares over 80 French classics, said to be simplified for the modern baker. 

Dan Beasley-Harling

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2018

Where is he now? Avid baker and stay-at-home dad-of-two Dan, shares his repertoire of cake recipes via his blog of the same and his social media accounts. 

Did he release a cookbook?: Dan was one of the season 7 and 8 bakers who contributed to the Great British Bake Off: Get Baking with Friends cookbook. He's a self-described perfectionist who prides himself on the appearance of his scrumptious treats as well as their taste. Rooted in family values, Dan sees cooking as a great way to bring the family together and to create memories at mealtimes.

2017 Great British Bake Off Contestants:

Sophie Faldo

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Winner of The Great British Bake Off 2017

Where is she now? Since winning the series in 2017, Sophie has become a full-time baker. An avid track cyclist, she’s raised money for Great Ormond Street Hospital while competing in the 100-mile cycling event RideLondon. Sophie has also launched a business called Sophie Faldo Couture Cakes, making bespoke baked goods for weddings and occasions. 

Did she release a cookbook?: Sophie's first cookbook, Something Sweet, was due to be released in late 2018. However after a split with her management, the book was reportedly shelved. So far, no book has yet been released.

Steven Carter-Bailey

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2017

Where is he now? After Bake Off, Steven travelled the country doing live cooking demos, and appearing at food festivals. A little presenting for ITV London followed, along with teaching cake decorating for Leith’s Cookery School. This gave him the bug for teaching, and he is now head tutor at ProCook Cookery School, situated in London's Tottenham Court Road. 

Did he release a cookbook?: Host Prue Leith once said about the runner up, "Steven is one of the nicest guys in the world. A joy to work with, and one hell of a baker." But unfortunately, we have no news on a cook book at the moment.

Kate Lyon

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2017

Where is she now? Kate was working as a health and safety inspector in Merseyside, and instead of turning baking into a career, studied for a Masters degree in occupational health and safety after the competition. In 2022, she invested in the Bloom Baby franchise, with the aim to run multi-sensory baby development and massage class for younger babies. Her interest in the idea piqued after attending sessions with her son. 

Did she release a cookbook? Kate has not released a cookbook, and is no longer active on social media. 

2016 Great British Bake Off contestants:

Candice Brown

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Winner of The Great British Bake Off 2016

Where is she now? After winning the show’s seventh series, Candice has certainly been busy. She bought a pub in Eversholt, Milton Keynes called The Green Man with her family, and remains working as the landlady there. Candice also starred on shows such as Loose Women and 2018's reboot of Dancing on Ice. She married long-term boyfriend Liam Macaulay in September 2018. The former PE teacher also launched a column with The Sunday Times

Did she release a book? In July 2017, winner Candice Brown released her first cookbook - Comfort: Delicious Bakes and Family Treats. The book received a whole host of five stars reviews for winning recipes like black pudding sausage roles and her strudel recipe - just to name two out of the many that are featured in the book, which is packed full of scrumptious treats. In 2021, she released the follow up, Happy Cooking: Easy uplifting meals and comforting treats. This book includes quick meals for when choosing what to cook is difficult, and 'therapy' recipes to distract a worried mind.

Andrew Smyth

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2016

Where is he now? The engineering whiz gained notoriety for his scientific bakes, and now divides his time between researching Future Aircraft at Rolls-Royce and presenting his show, the art of "bakineering". This explores incredible engineering through edible means, and he performs the show live around the country. He also created, produced and judged Netflix's Baking Impossible. The busy baker also develops recipes and baking content for major international organisations and media campaigns. 

Did he release a cookbook? Much like many of the other 2016 runners up, Andrew contributed to the Great British Bake Off cookbook: Great British Bake Off - Perfect Cakes & Bakes To Make At Home, which is available to buy from Amazon and other book stores. Andrew says his priority when it comes to baking, aside from taste, is bringing people together and sharing with others. This is where his inspiration for family-led baking has come from - he has yet to release a cookbook of his own. 

Jane Beedle

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2016

Where is she now? With decades of experience as a garden designer, Jane put her creative skills to good use during her time on Bake Off. She has  since raised money for Marie Curie and Great Ormond Street Hospital. She has also done TV work from her home kitchen for Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, and continues to run a garden design business with her best friend.

Did she release a book? Jane didn't release her own cookbook after the show, but shares plenty of her recipes in Great British Bake Off - Perfect Cakes & Bakes To Make At Home, alongside other contestants from her series. 

2015 Great British Bake Off contestants:

Nadiya Hussain

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Winner of The Great British Bake Off 2015

Where is she now? Nadiya began a baking show on BBC 2 in 2022, called Nadiya's Everyday Baking. Prior to this, she could be found on Nadiya's Time to Eat, and documenting her battle with anxiety in the documentary Nadiya: Anxiety and Me. She's also presented the Junior Bake Off, the Big Family Cooking Showdown and her own shows the Chronicles of Nadiya, Nadiya's British Food Adventure and Nadiya's Family Favourites. This year, Nadiya has collaborated with Schwartz to create a range of spices, kits and seasonings - they can now be found in supermarkets across the country. 

Did she release a book? Nadiya is perhaps one of the most famous bakers to come out of the series. As well as being a prolific author in national papers, she has released a plethora of cookbooks. Nadiya's Kitchen was the first of her books to be released in 2016. It contains over 100 excellent and mouth-watering recipes that are ideal for family cooking. Family Favourites and Nadiya's British Food Adventure are her second and third books. Her entire collection, which now includes novels and picture books, can be found on Amazon

Tamal Ray

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2015

Where is he now? Crowned the 'sexy beast' of Bake Off by the viewers watching season 6, Tamal has put baking on the back burner to focus on his career as an anaesthetist, but don't fret! You can still catch Tamal's monthly recipes in The Guardian. He has also co-presented Channel 4's Live Well For Longer alongside Kate Quilton.

Did he release a cookbook?: There's no cookbook from Tamal unfortunately, but he released plenty of his recipes on BBC Food.

Ian Cumming

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2015

Where is he now? The travel photographer combines his passion for baking and far off places in the adventurous recipes he creates for his hometown paper, Cambridge News, and other outlets such as The Telegraph. Other than that he's been keeping a low profile, enjoying family life in the countryside.

Did he release a cookbook?: In keeping with his low profile, there's no cookbook from Ian.

2014 Great British Bake Off contestants:

Nancy Birtwhistle

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Winner of The Great British Bake Off 2014

Where is she now? Nancy operates a very successful baking blog and has written for The Telegraph. She has performed large and also private baking demos, and given talks in schools. A grandmother of 9, Nancy loves to have her grandchildren visit, and host her family in her home. 

Did she release a cook book?: The wonderfully named, Sizzle & Drizzle: Tips for a modern day home-maker was released in October 2019, five years after Nancy appeared on Great British Bake Off. She also released The Green Gardening Handbook - Grow, Eat and Enjoy, Green Living Made Easy: 101 Eco Tips, Hacks and Recipes to Save Time and Money, and Clean & Green: 101 Hints and Tips for a More Eco-Friendly Home, offering home making and gardening tips with an eco twist. 

Luis Troyano

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2014

Where is he now? Sadly, Luis died from oesophageal cancer in 2020. Prior to this, he had turned baking into his profession following the show, and made appearances on BBC Good Food and BBC Breakfast shows. 

Did he release a cookbook? Luis released his own cookbook Bake It Great in August 2015. 

Richard Burr

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2014

Where is he now? After breaking the Bake Off record for being the star baker six times in a row, Richard decided not to turn baking into his profession. Instead, the former builder works in the environmental sector. He bakes in his spare time, along with sharing home renovation tips on Instagram. He is married to wife Sarah, and has 3 daughters. 

Did he release a cookbook? Richard published his first recipe book, Bake It Yourself in August 2015, as well as sharing recipes online. 

2013 Great British Bake Off contestants:

Frances Quinn

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Winner of The Great British Bake Off 2013

Where is she now? We all remember Frances for her extravagant bakes in the Bake Off tent. The winner has been busy demonstrating her skills at food shows such as BBC Good Food since her Bake Off days and regularly shares recipes and ideas with her Instagram followers. She is about to get married, and also shares wedding preparations online in the build-up to the big day. 

Did she release a cookbook? Frances published her book, Quinntessential Baking, in 2015. This is described as "A treasure trove of inspirational ideas to bring a spark of creativity and a teaspoon of wonder into your kitchen," to provide "straightforward master recipes or ‘building blocks’, and explain how to apply a little magic to turn them into beautiful bakes." 

Ruby Tandoh

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2013

Where is she now? Ruby may not have won the Bake Off but she certainly hasn't let that get her down. She's gone onto a successful food career writing recipes for The Guardian and was voted the public's favourite Great British Bake Off contestant ever in 2015! She has also worked as a pastry chef, alongside being an author.

Did she release a cook book?: Since her run on Bake Off, Ruby Tandoh has released a plethora of cookbooks, essays, and more. Crumb was released first in 2014 and it focuses on the basics of baking, discovering and bringing out flavours rather than perfection in your bakes and cakes. Flavour: Eat what you love was her second book, released in 2016. In a unique approach to cooking, Ruby's book helps readers to follow their cravings and divides the book into sections by food. Late night snack? She's got you sorted. Ruby's entire collection can be viewed on her website.

Kimberley Wilson

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2013

Where is she now? Other than popping into the GoodtoKnow office to teach us how to make jam a while back, Kimberley has been busy working with a variety of brands including Persil and Dr. Oetker, and working as a chartered psychologist.

Did she release a cook book?: No cook book from Kimberly, however, at the beginning of 2020 she did release a book called How to Build a Healthy Brain which is all about ways to reduce stress, anxiety and depression and future-proof your brain. This year, she released the follow up Unprocessed: How the Food We Eat Is Fuelling Our Mental Health Crisis. This book reveals the role of food and nutrients in brain development and mental health, including the effects of hunger and nutrient deficiencies on your personality. 

2012 Great British Bake Off contestants:

John Whaite

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Winner of The Great British Bake Off 2012

Where is he now? John Whaite won the 2012 with his show-stopping Heaven and Hell cake. John opened John Whaite's Kitchen Cookery School in Lancashire, now re-named the Barn Kitchen Baking School. This offers courses to teach students to create 'delicious, wholesome food'. He has also written for the Telegraph and was the resident chef on ITV's Lorraine. He made an appearance on Strictly, in 2021.

Did he release a cook book?: His cookbooks, John Whaite Bakes, John Whaite Bakes At Home, Perfect Plates in 5 Ingredients and Comfort: Food to Soothe the Soul are all out now. In August 2023, he released his memoir, Dancing on Eggshells: Kitchen, ballroom & the messy inbetween.

James Morton

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2012

Where is he now? James was one of the favourites to win 2012's Bake Off and was known for his patterned jumpers and geek-chic glasses. He's since toured Scotland with his bread baking shows James Morton Kneads to Raise Some Dough and James Morton's Stolen Christmas, founded a very popular baking blog with a large Twitter following and still found time to qualify as a medical doctor. He now has two children, and works as GP full time, and bakes as a hobby. 

Did he release a cook book? Since his run on Great British Bake off, James has authored a whopping 7 books. Brilliant Bread and How Baking WorksBoth offer unique insight and artful recipes to introduce readers to the fundamentals of baking, and his entire collection can be viewed on his website.

Brendan Lynch

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2012

Where is he now? We loved talented Brendan and his brilliant bakes, so we're pleased to hear he's busy teaching cookery classes and giving baking demonstrations at food festivals. Still involved in such events in 2023, Brendan recently spent time raising money for the charity Active and in Touch Frome. The charity helps combat loneliness and isolation in the community, with Frome being Brendan's home town. 

Did he release a cookbook? For the moment, Brendan doesn't have any books out.

2011 Great British Bake Off contestants:

Jo Wheatley

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Winner of The Great British Bake Off 2011

Where is she now? Bubbly Jo was a popular winner of The Great British Bake Off's 2nd series. She's built a successful baking career since then, with magazine columns and cake classes at her Essex home. She's also been known to pop into GoodtoKnow every now and again to share some delicious bakes with us. Even Nigella is a fan! Jo now resides in Lisbon.

Did she release a cookbook? In 2012, Jo released her first cookbook following her success on the show. Called A Passion for Baking, the book covers the tips, tricks and family recipes that Jo created in her own kitchen. Two years later she released Home Baking, a collection of recipes that she brought her own children up on. Packed with fun ideas to get kids interested in food, it's one of those books that every keen baker should have around the house.

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Holly Bell

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2011

Where is she now? Busy Holly now runs a successful brownie subscription service named Mrs Bell's Brownies. As well as supplying brownies to customers in their homes, she also provides them for local cafes, and for corporate events. She is also busy with her 3 little boys, Charlie, Max, and Laurie.

Did she release a cookbook? In 2014, Holly released a book with the same name as the blog she ran at the time, Recipes From a Normal Mum. This was a huge success and went on to receive over 100 hugely positive ratings on Amazon. As one fan said, "I have never brought a book where I have wanted to make 95% of the recipes. Being a 'normal mum' with 2 crazy toddlers, the quick easy to follow recipes have been just perfect for me. I love it!"

Mary Anne Boermans

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2011

Where is she now? With her jolly personality and encyclopaedic knowledge of baking, Mary-Anne was one of our favourite ever Bake Off contestants. She is now a food historian and food writer, sharing recipes online on her blog, Time To Cook.

Did she release a cookbook? Yes, we were one of the first in line to buy her cookbook of historic cake recipes, Great British Bakes, which came out in 2013. She has also written Deja Food, a book of classic British dishes. 

2010 Great British Bake Off contestants:

Edd Kimber

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Winner of The Great British Bake Off 2010

Where is he now? Talented Edd is one of the Great British Bake Off contestants who has enjoyed lots of success since winning the original Bake Off. He has since worked in the pastry kitchen at Raymond Blanc's restaurant Le Manoir, and taught baking masterclasses. He's also produced content for publications including BBC Good Food, Olive Magazine, Delicious, and The Guardian and many more. He's also made TV appearances on Sunday Brunch, Saturday Kitchen, Good Morning America, and The Alan Titchmarsh Show.

Did he release a cookbook? Yes, Edd has now written 6 cookbooks. The first three were titled One Tin Bakes, Say it with Cake and The Boy who Bakes. His entire collection can be viewed on his website

Ruth Clemens

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2010

Where is she now? Ruth Clemens continues to run her popular baking website The Pink Whisk and has collaborated with major UK brands on baking projects and demonstrations, and written for magazines. Ruth also helped judge our Jubilee Queen of Cakes contest with Gino D'Acampo. Tough gig!  

Did she release a cookbook? Yes, Ruth has released the books The Busy Girl’s Guide to Cake Decorating, The Pink Whisk Guide to Cake Making, The Pink Whisk Guide to Bread Making and Creative Eclairs. Her collection can be found on Amazon.

Miranda Gore-Browne

Great British Bake Off contestants

Who? Runner up of The Great British Bake Off 2010

Where is she now? Original series contestant Miranda was a whizz at making biscuits and has since written her own biscuits cookbook. Mary Berry calls her 'the iced biscuit queen'. Now that's a compliment! She has since worked as ambassador for Squires Kitchen, appeared as guest speaker and demonstrator at events, and worked as a baker with the National Trust. 

Did she release a cookbook? Yes, Miranda has released the books Biscuit, and Bake Me A Cake as Fast as You Can. Biscuit is described as the ultimate biscuit bible, as the name suggests, and both books can be purchased on Amazon

For fans of the show, we've got plenty of Bake Off related recipes for you to try, from Mary Berry's lemon drizzle cake and Paul Hollywood's scones to 2015 winner Nadiya Hussein's teriyaki salmon.

Grace Walsh
Features Writer

Grace Walsh is a health and wellbeing writer, working across the subjects of family, relationships, and LGBT topics, as well as sleep and mental health. A digital journalist with over six years  experience as a writer and editor for UK publications, Grace is currently Health Editor for womanandhome.com and has also worked with Cosmopolitan, Red, The i Paper, GoodtoKnow, and more. After graduating from the University of Warwick, she started her career writing about the complexities of sex and relationships, before combining personal hobbies with professional and writing about fitness.