THE Great British Bake Off returned to our screens last night.
And it was Dan from Cheshire who earned the star baker title in week one.
The 42-year-old civil engineering resource planner came out on top in the technical, as contestants recreated the chocolate cake from the show’s intro, before wowing the judges with a cake resembling his late dog, Bruno, in the showstopper.
Taking to social media after being named star baker, Dan said: “That one was for you Bruno and everyone else I know past and present.
“I hope me and my amazing bakers brought you a few hours of escape to switch off from world and bring everyone together to celebrate all that is good in the world.
“Thank you so much for all your kind words and support in the last week it’s been overwhelming for all of us, very special and so nice to surprise a few people.
“To get star baker in week one has meant the world to me, especially against such unbelievable talent makes it even more special.
“It will stay with me forever. Hope you enjoyed it, onwards to biscuit week!
“Stay safe, tune in to extra slice and see you all next week.”
READ MORE: Q&A with Great British Bake Off contestant from Cheshire
The first episode of the hit Channel 4 baking show saw Alison Hammond’s debut as co-host alongside returning presenter Noel Fielding.
This Morning presenter Hammond, 48, replaced comedian Matt Lucas who announced in December that he was stepping down from his role on the show.
Judges Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith first tasked the contestants with baking a signature vertical layer cake, with Dan creating a rhubarb and custard version.
They then had to create a raspberry covered chocolate cake in the technical challenge and a sponge in the showstopper.
Spoilers inbound as Amos, 43 and from north London, became the first to leave the series after failing to impress the judges with his final bake – despite placing second in the technical challenge.
“It was obviously the showstopper that stopped my show,” he said.
He continued: “As soon as I heard my name I came out of my body.
“It has been amazing being in that group of people walking into the tent on the first day, and that is softening the blow a little bit.”
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