Best Baker Alby ‘THE SECRET I HAD TO KEEP'

It was nearly a recipe for disaster telling porkies to his loved ones

- Rebekah Hebenton

Last week, fans watched in delight as Alby Hailes was crowned winner of The Great Kiwi Bake Off for 2021. And though it’s his baking skills and artistic talents that won him the title, the ever-humble baker chalks his success up to his friends and family.

“When they called my name, there were so many emotions. I was so proud,” Alby tells the Weekly from his home in WhangaÌ„rei. “The whole competition and my success, it’s shared with my whaÌ„nau and friends, and the people who have supported me with my baking for all these years.”

Alby’s biggest fan is his partner of seven years, Alex, 31, and he admits that without his support, he never would have been on the show in the first place, and certainly wouldn’t have taken home the coveted trophy.

“He was the one who encouraged me the most,” Alby shares. “He believed in me more than I believed in myself and my abilities. His reaction was even bigger than mine when I won! He rode this whole rollercoaster with me, supporting me as I was tearing my hair out while practising before the show and during it. I owe a lot of how I’ve done to him – without his support, I don’t think I would have made it as far as I did.”