BAKE OFF CHAMPION ON WINNING THE SHOW, LIFE NOW AND ENJOYING HIS FIRST TRIP TO GREGGS

BAKE OFF champion Giuseppe Dell’Anno says he loves nothing more than a trip to Greggs.

The Italian, who triumphed on last year’s show, said he likes treating himself to a steak-bake and also adores pa traditional English fry-up.

Giuseppe, who is releasing a new cookbook called Italian Bakes, told GB News of his recent trip to the high-street bakers saying: “I love it. I had my first one (steak bake) a couple of nights ago. I love that. When I first moved to the UK I was very snobbish about the English breakfast because Italians do it differently, but I love it.”

Speaking on Breakfast to Isabel Webster and Paul Hawkins, the Italian cook told how winning the C4 show had transformed his life.

“Yes, it’s fair to say that the show has turned my life upside down,” he said. “Which is very humbling. People are generally nice and they want selfies and all that kind of stuff and baking tips.”

Commenting on the recent controversy around Mexican week, the Italian defended show producers saying: “I feel for the production team because anytime they try to be ethnic or you know to be regional, they always spark a debate. I admire the effort, and it’s very interesting for people to know nothing about Mexico. I would like to learn more. But perhaps the content was more MasterChef than Bake Off. It’s very difficult to get this right.”

Discussing this year’s crop, he said: “I mean, they all seem pretty decent. I was very sad to see Carol go. But I think that there are a few very strong ones like Sandra, she’s had a Hollywood handshake.”

Explaining how his son persuaded him to sign up he added: “My eldest son sort of tipped me off and said you should apply but I only sent the application for the sake of fun. It is stressful. The selection process lasted months. Then getting ready for the show – oh my god. I mean, especially for somebody as insecure as me knowing I’m going to be in the eyes of a national TV. I was thinking: ‘What if I make a fool of myself’ you want to get ready, so I found that particularly hard. But I will always love the show.”