“I’m never going to say: I don’t think I can”, she said.
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The amateur baker, who is one of three finalists in Wednesday’s show, has become known for her varied facial expressions as viewers have seen her switch between delight, despair, shock, terror and satisfaction.
Talking about watching the show last night with her family on BBC Radio 2, she said: “I’ve had enough now!”
“I think Bake Off should go back to basics this year”. Having put her career on the backburner to devote her life to her family, with their support she decided she was ‘inspired to have her own adventure and make them proud.’ Nadiya saw off eleven other competitors and 30 challenges that tested baking prowess, creativity and skill.
After weeks of competing, judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry will finally crown their victor this evening.
Ten million people tuned in to last week’s semi-final – the biggest audience for this series up to that point. Her stand was decorated in red, white and blue saree material.
She said she had not imagined getting to the final in her “wildest dreams”.
“I went into the tent as the smallest baker at 4ft 11ins but I walked out feeling a giant”.
As she said herself, “I’m just as British as anyone else, and I hope I have proved that”.
“I’m trying to soak it all in, enjoy every moment, and then take it as it comes”.
Previous winners have created careers out of their victories, penning cookbooks and newspaper columns. “I was pretty exhausted but high on the adrenaline of what I had achieved so far”. “I am really looking forward to see what will happen”. His timing problems could very well be his downfall in the finals, but despite being adventurous with his flavours, he has yet to put out a truly spectacular bake.
“Congratulations to Nadiya and the Bake Off team!” PM David Cameron, passionate about the Bake Off show, had betted on Nadiya, saying she was “very calm under pressure”. But in the final you have to be the best.
Ian Cumming faltered when he forgot to add sugar to the dough of his spiced buns for the signature bake.
Worst bake: Chocolate soufflé technical challenge during the semi-finals.
After producing near-perfect iced buns and millefeuille under huge pressure Nadiya wowed Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood with a patriotic, Union Jack-themed wedding cake – wrapped in a sari.
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Tamal’s final bake, a sticky toffee pudding cake with dried fruits, is described as “genius” and “breathtaking”.
