Great British Bake Off finalist Josh: ‘Get your application filled in – it was the best experience’

After weeks of creating classic chocolate tortes, beautiful botanical desserts and perfect puff pastries, it’s time for the judges to choose a winner in the final of The Great British Bake Off.

The bakers still in the running are Matty Edgell, Dan Hunter and Josh Smalley. But there are three challenges to go – a signature choux pastry, a sticky technical and the ultimate celebration cake – before one of them is crowned the winner by judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. “I was so worried about the technical side of the competition as it’s the unknown,” reveals Dan, as he looks back over his time on the show.

“But I surprised myself at how well I did," continues Dan. "In the end I looked forward to it each week.”

“The technicals were just as stressful as I thought they’d be,” adds Matty. “But there was no point in stressing about it because you never knew what you were stressing over!”

Matty was awarded Star Baker in Party Week.

“That was my favourite task,” he continues. “I am so unimaginative, but during Party Week I had a concept and an idea straight away.”

“My favourite challenge has to be the ‘anything but beige buffet’ showstopper,” adds Josh. “As soon as I saw it was Party Week I knew I had to go for a Christmas theme. My nickname is Dr Christmas – no one can out-Christmas me!”

Taking part in the show, hosted by Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, meant the bakers had to get used to seeing themselves on TV.

“The first week was awful – hearing my own voice was horrendous,” laughs Matty. “I wanted to apologise to anyone who had to hear me on a daily basis. And I noticed I made strange faces when I was concentrating.”

The competition will return again next year, and Josh encourages keen amateur bakers to apply.

“Being on GBBO has been the best experience in my life,” he says. “If anyone reading this is thinking of applying for next year, please get that application filled in.”

Watch the final of the Great British Bake Off on Tuesday 27 November, 8pm, Channel 4

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