A grandmother who perfected her cake-making skills by making treats for her kids has won the Great British Bake-Off.
41-year-old Jo Wheatley, who has a popular blog called Jo’s Blue AGA, taught herself to cook through “tough feedback” from her three sons, aged 16 to 24.
Wheatley sealed the deal in last night’s final with her mini Victoria sponge sandwiches, white chocolate and raspberry meringues and mini banoffee pies.
After tasting them, Judge Mary Berry said: “She has done something exceptional.”
Wheatley, a housewife from Essex, was tipped as a winner from the start of the eight-week competition.
Judges called her baking style “girly” and “pretty”.
Wheatley said: “It was a privilege to take part but to win it has been amazing.”
She posted on her blog’s Facebook page: “I can't tell you how overjoyed I am to be this years Great British Bake off winner. It was an honour to be in the final with 2 such talented fabulous Ladies Thank you all for your lovely support Love Jo xx.”
The champion baker, who married husband rich when she was 17 and has one grandson, holds cake decorating workshops on her blog, which are nearly sold out.
But Twitter discussions glossed over the winner, mentioning the weather and a rather well-endowed squirrel.
@BettyMagazine tweeted: “Where do they film the great British bake off?! It must be the rainiest place in the country….”
@theatreJunki said: “The wonderful well endowed squirrel from Great British Bake Off. HILARIOUS! Please forward complaints to the beeb.”
@JillLawless commented: “I love the Great British Bake Off. I've learned so much about pastry, and squirrel anatomy.”
