The best final ever?

Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith tell TV Times about this year’s hotly-contested finale...

- CAREN CLARK

THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF LAST ONE TUESDAY / C4 / 8PM / EP 10 of 10 / COOKERY

The latest series of The Great British Bake Off has been a joy, with the famous white tent of dreams playing host to some of the best bakers in the show’s 11-year history.

Now, after nine weeks of stunning German tiered yeasted cakes, tricky sugar domes, and a nifty gingerbread windmill – plus the odd collapsing terrine! – just three nervous hopefuls are left wielding their wooden spoons in the grand final of the C4 contest.

And the pressure is on as they stand by their mixers ready to create an extra-special carrot cake, a Belgian delight, and a stupendous banquet. But who will take home the coveted glass cake-stand trophy?

TV Times caught up with judges Paul Hollywood, 55, and Dame Prue Leith, 81, for an exclusive interview about what to expect – and over the page, you’ll find what they have to say about the semi-finalists…

What was this year’s final like to film?

DAME PRUE It was so interesting as we had such good finalists. It was tense in the tent. But when you’re filming in a bubble, you get very close to everyone, so it was a great supportive atmosphere with the bakers and the crew.

Tell us more about the challenges you set…

PAUL The first challenge is a carrot cake, the Technical is one of mine, and the Showstopper is a crazy one to end the series – four sweet and savoury treats for a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party showing four different baking disciplines.

What were you looking for from the bakers?