More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
This evening many of us will snuggle up in front of the television in anticipation for the new series of the Great British Bake Off.
Whilst struggling to whip up a simple fairy cake, millions tune in to criticise the delicate genoise sponges and crème bavarois presented to judges in the infamous tent.
However, Kent has gained somewhat of a reputation in the Channel 4 competition, with Laura Adlington making it to the final last year and Chetna Makan finishing in fourth place back in 2014 - but what is life like after the Great British Bake Off?
Chetna, a fashion designer from Broadstairs, had only started baking a few years before appearing on the show, when she decided to make her children birthday cakes.
She said: "Baking has to be a hobby in order to enter the programme, that it one of the requirements. You shouldn't have done a course to learn to bake or worked in a bakery for example.
"I was definitely an amateur baker but I love cooking and baking so I've always been creating dishes. I'm such a feeder!"
On series five of the show back in 2014, Chetna managed to achieve fourth place after being eliminated in the semi-final. After failing to make distinct flaky layers in her baklavas, a drooping 20-layer German schichttorte cake became the final nail in the coffin.
Although Chetna looks back fondly on her experience with not a single regret.
She exclaimed: "I would change absolutely nothing! I don't have that attitude in life generally because I think had I not experienced certain things then I wouldn't have ended up the way I am.
"I may not have had opportunities and experiences had I done things differently. If I went back now I would probably do everything exactly the same."
She remembers the first day meeting the cast and judges and that was a highlight from the show, so much so that she returned in 2016 for the Christmas special and won!
Since then she has gone on to publish five books, has reached more than 180,000 subscribers on YouTube and has hosted cooking workshops for school children.
Throughout the whirlwind she has remained true to her roots, sharing tradition Indian recipes to thousands of followers on Instagram.
Chetna revealed that she still can't believe the fame that comes with a successful run on the show, and is surprised when she hears people are still using her recipes to bake for family and friends.
For the beginner, Chetna shared her top tips on how to perfect the craft.
She said: "So first of all, if you are baking you have to follow the recipe! If you think I have whole wheat flour and not enough plain flour so I'll mix them together it's not going to work.
"Also be patient - if you think about opening the oven to check the cake - don't do it!
"Most importantly though, I'd say enjoy it. I often find that if I haven't enjoyed baking or cooking it, it doesn't taste as good."
Someone who won't need these tips is 28-year-old Tom, a software engineer from Kent who is set to appear in the new series this evening at 8pm.
However, Chetna shared some wise words of advice for dealing with the quick rise to stardom.
"I would say to Tom to just enjoy it. Don't stress about it, people are lovely. Just enjoy the whole moment, it will pass so quickly and those 10 weeks will fly away."
