Tuning in…
Tuning in…
Castaway
1 appearance
Artisan baker and television judge, best known as a judge on The Great British Bake Off for his expert knowledge and honest critiques.
On the island
Eight records
The keepsakes
In conversation
Presenter asks
1:46Why do you feel you have to be honest [when judging on Bake Off]?
I think you have to be. … If they do something wrong, I'm not going to turn around and say it's good, because that would be a lie.
Presenter asks
2:49Why is there a deep resonance with baked things that come out of the oven, linked to memory and home?
It's because it's very nostalgic bacon. … And it takes me back to when I was a kid.
Presenter asks
5:10What do you put the success of Bake Off down to?
I think it's very easy watching. … It's one of those things that at the end of the programme you think, isn't life lovely? … I don't think it's one answer.
Presenter asks
10:05Your parents divorced when you were ten. How did that affect you?
I mean, it hit me quite hard. … I'd sit on top of the shed roof and just refuse to go to school. … My brothers were great and I think, you know, being part of the church as well when I was growing up was strong.
it's just a story of bravery ... and it's such a great book.
The luxury
I always have one pillow which I sort of lean on and another one underneath my arm that gotta be just right.
Presenter asks
13:58Is it true that it was an act of bribery that got you into baking professionally?
I was in art school and I had long hair and velvet jackets. … My dad approached me and said, 'Son, come and join the industry.' … He said, 'I'll give you five hundred quid.' … So I went from hair down to sort of my chest length to shaved literally overnight.
Presenter asks
26:28When you look back on the tabloid speculation about an affair, what do you think you learned?
I mean personal life is personal life … I didn't realize how big it was until the press got the teeth in. … I was more worried about the family more than anything else. So for me I think it was accepting the fact that I was famous. … I love the anonymity. I ride motorbikes now with a helmet on so no one knows who I am.
“If they do something wrong, I'm not going to turn around and say it's good, because that would be a lie.”
“It's because it's very nostalgic bacon. … And it takes me back to when I was a kid.”
“It's one of those things that at the end of the programme you think, isn't life lovely?”
“I'd sit on top of the shed roof and just refuse to go to school.”
“I love the anonymity. I ride motorbikes now with a helmet on so no one knows who I am.”