The Great British Bake Off winner Frances Quinn says she was in “complete and utter shock” after being crowned victor of the hit TV show.
Children’s clothes designer Quinn, 31, beat former model Ruby Tandoh, 21, and psychologist Kimberley Wilson, 30, in the hotly anticipated BBC Two final.
The amateur baker wowed judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry with a rainbow-style savoury picnic pie and showstopper three-tier wedding cake, inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
She admitted it had been hard to keep her win under wraps for so long following the pre-recorded last episode.
“I’ve been back at work and trying to keep a poker face,” Quinn said.
“I remember watching the Wimbledon final the following week and getting so emotional… and thinking at least Andy Murray doesn’t have to hide his trophy under his bed for the next three months.
“I’m looking forward to being able to celebrate with my incredibly close family and friends.”
The winner dismissed reports about any chemistry between Hollywood and Tandoh, who was crowned star baker three times, saying: “We were not thinking about any of that in there. There was no flirtation.”
Quinn, who decorated her wedding cake with edible confetti made from beetroot, mango, rhubarb and sweet potato, said she had a rest from baking after her win.
“I thought my blood sugar levels would go through the roof,” she said. “I had a bit of a sabbatical.”
Quinn, who lives in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, has been approached by agents and wants to produce a coffee table book.
“I don’t know what the future is going to hold,” she said. “What I’d love to do is combine both passions, baking and design.”