My partner is drop dead GORGEOUS

It’s been a whirlwind nine months for Candice Brown after she was crowned the winner of the 2016 Great British Bake Off. As she publishes her first cookbook, the 32-year-old, who lives in Bedford with boyfriend Liam Macaulay, admits she is still pinching herself. We caught up with her to chat about life after Bake Off, comfort food and those famous lipsticks…

- Christine Smith

Hey Candice! You’ve just published your first ever cookbook, Comfort. How do you feel? 

It’s completely crazy. It’s exciting and I’m also a bit nervous, as it is my baby, but I’m so proud of it. There is a lot about me in it, I wanted it to be a funny intro into my crazy life! I’ve included each recipe for a reason, whether that is nostalgia, something mum used to do, or inspiration from a trip I’ve taken with Liam. I owe my family lots.

You’re dedicating the book to your nan, Flo, and your family. What do you think she would have made of it? 

I hope she would have been proud. I also think she would have been mightily embarrassed because I do go on about her! When she died 12 years ago, the bottom of my world fell out. It still hurts every day that she isn’t here. There’s also a recipe for my other nan, Ivy, who lived until the age of 93! She was the one I owe my sweet tooth to – her diet was 95% sugar.

We’ve spotted you use courgettes in a Mocha Cake. That’s unusual! 

I was very dubious, too, initially. But I went on the premise that carrot cake works and courgettes do hold a lot of moisture. If a recipe doesn’t work, I will chuck it away and try again.