Sophie Faldo has been crowned the winner of ‘The Great British Bake Off’.
The 33-year-old former Army officer beat off tough opposition from fellow finalists Kate Lyon and Steven Carter-Bailey during the final episode of the Channel 4 baking competition – which aired on Tuesday (31.10.17) – to be named as the first winner of the show since it moved homes from the BBC in late 2016.
Sophie’s triumph came as she wowed judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith with a seven-layered, honey bee-themed entremet showstopper, and the star described her win as "mega".
She added: "The idea of winning was such a minute possibility. I don’t think I will forget this day for as long as I live. I have met some brilliant people and I got to the final. It is beyond anything I have dreamed of. What a privilege."
However, for some viewers, Sophie’s win won’t have come as a surprise, as Prue Leith – who replaced former judge Mary Berry when the show switched broadcasters – accidentally named her as the winner earlier in the day when she tweeted: "Bravo Sophie".
The 77-year-old restauranteur later apologised for the gaffe, which she insisted was a result of being in a different time zone and being confused by the time difference.
After deleting her previous tweet, she took to Twitter again to write: "I am so sorry to the fans of the show for my mistake this morning, I am in a different time zone and mortified by my error #GBBO (sic)"
Despite her blunder, Prue has confirmed she’s been asked to reclaim her judging position on next year’s series alongside Paul, 51, while Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig have decided to reprise their hosting duties.
Alongside a link leading to contestant application forms for the next series, Prue said this morning: "It’s the #GBBO final! Who will win? Thrilled to say Paul, Noel Sandi & I will all be back! Do you want to join us? (sic)"
Sophie Faldo wins ‘Great British Bake Off’
