Great British Bake Off: The best of the breakdowns and banter

The Great British Bake Off final won by Nadiya Jamir Hussain was seen by an average of 13.4 million viewers, according to overnight ratings.

“I’m never going to say I can’t again, I can” said Bangladeshi born Nadiya in tearful triumph.

She wowed the judges with her iced buns, millefeuille and patriotic Union Jack-themed wedding cake wrapped in a sari. Her family is originally from Bangladesh, where desserts aren’t a big feature of mealtimes, but encouraged by a school home economics teacher, Nadiya now delivers handsome masterpieces at family occasions.

“I always wanted to be on the show, I just got hooked and my interest in baking grew even more as I watched it”, the Filipino nurse explained.

Applications are now open for contestants to take part in the seventh series of “The Great British Bake Off”.

After nearly being sent home after every challenge due to her evident lack of confidence – despite her obvious talents when it comes to baking – she got into her stride when she started creating things such as a dough-snake and a chocolate peacock.

Losing out on the big prize, but by no means disappointed, were trainee doctor Tamal Ray, 29, and photographer Ian Cumming, 41. The bakers had to make raspberry mille-feuille and Paul Hollywood admitted that they’d picked the challenge because all of the finalists had struggled with pastry.

During her time in the tent, Nadiya has earned a cult following – with viewers loving her array of amusing facial expressions.

“I had no idea that this would become a talking point on social media”.

“I think they’re heroes”. “In the first episode I looked around at everyone else’s Black Forest Gateaux and felt out of my depth”.

And no, it’s not just female solidarity and all that, Nadiya has grown on me over the weeks and shown herself to be a real trooper.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning, she said: “I never knew my face did that to be honest”.

“I missed the brief a little with my Cornucopia of bread by making far too much and I confused my ciabatta with my baguettes, but hey I enjoyed myself. I’m very proud of him”, she added.

“My husband Abdal’s favourite cake is lemon drizzle, so I chose to make that”.

As for the moment her name was announced as the victor…

It’s not just Nadiya Hussain’s cakes that are a victor. Well done to Tamal, Ian and all of this year’s bakers and a huge thank you to Sue and Mel, who keep everybody smiling throughout, and to Mary and Paul, our fantastic judges.

Her first bake – almond and cardamom, and nutmeg and sour cherry ice buns – receives praises all around. “That was the best tasting final we have ever had”.