2014 finalist Richard Burr talks about this year's Great British Bake Off contestants, and reflects on his own experiences in the famous tent
Builder-turned-baker Richard Burr knows what it takes to be a Great British Bake Off star and he thinks Andrew Smyth has the right ingredients this year.
Northern Irishman Andrew is the current Bake Off favourite with the bookies, but Richard points out there is a long way to go.
"I like Andrew," he told What's on TV. "I think if he can keep his nerve he'll be good. My daughters love Candice, she's definitely the favourite in our house. But I think, early doors, it's hard to tell who's going to show their quality, who's going to become comfortable in the tent... But whatever happens it's going to be fun and I'm going to bake along with every episode and put loads of weight like I did in my one!"
Richard lost to Nancy Birtwhistle in the 2014 GBBO final, but he remains a big fan of the hit BBC1 bakery challenge.
"I'm watching each episode, obviously. I love the Bake Off. But it still feels like there's people in my tent rattling my pots and pans in there. I'd go back there for another 10 days any day, it's so much fun."
He's proud of what he achieved on the show. Despite not winning, he was Star Baker in five episodes. "I'm world champion of Star Bakers. Now they've syndicated it around [the world] I'm going to try and keep that crown... I'm trying to retain my crown for as long as possible, even if it means sneaking in and sabotaging it!"
Meanwhile, he's on a special bake today. "My house is full of sponge. Both me and Chetna [Makan] and myself from my year are making wedding cakes for Iain [Watters], the man who chucked his cake in the bin. He's getting hitched, he's being a very lucky man [today]. So we're all making wedding cakes for his wedding day, that'll be a fun day."
Richard's closely involved with the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity #Bakeitbetter campaign. From October 17, the public are encouraged to get baking and hold bake sales to help raise funds for the great cause.
