Great British Bake Off winner shares first statement since show ended amid 'big life change'

The winner of the 14th series of the Great British Bake Off has spoken about about their time in the tent

The fourteenth season of the Great British Bake Off finally came to an end last night (Nov 28) as the three 2023 finalists battled it out to take home the trophy cake stand. Contestants Josh, Matty and Dan ploughed their way through three final tasks, only for one of them to take the cake at the end of the show.

After making an éclair, doing a choux pastry Signature, facing a ‘Lardy Cake’ Technical and a celebration cake Showstopper, judges Dame Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood chose sports teacher Matty, from Cambridge, as the ultimate Star Baker and overall winner of the series. New host Alison Hammond pleaded with co-host Noel Fielding if she could be the one to deliver the news.

Matty, who was dubbed by many viewers as the ‘underdog’ of the series, appeared stunned as Alison called out his name. All three finalists entered week ten with two Star Baker wins and a Hollywood handshake under their belts.

“I don’t know what to say, everyone said you should go on Bake Off and I thought it was a throwaway comment and never really listened to it,” Matty told viewers. “I never thought I would be on the show let alone win it!”

He credited his partner Lara as the one who first suggested to him to apply for the show. Since his win over the summer, Matty released his first statement on his experience and eventual win.

Posted by the official GBBO X account, Matty wrote: “Ah… and just like that it’s all over! It’s difficult to put into words how grateful I am to have been part of this experience. Spending the summer baking in a tent is something I will never forget and it’s taught me so much about myself.

“I am so thankful to the other bakers (and Daryl) for making this an experience of a lifetime. The support, the laughs, all of it! Thank you so much! To those that work behind the camera, I can’t thank you enough! You have made our experience what it was, we were able to have so much fun in that tent because you made us feel so welcome and comfortable! Thanks for all the memories!”

Many fans rushed to share messages of support. Meetali replied: “Well done Matty!! I'm so thrilled! He's come so far since week one and deserved to win.. Well done to Josh and Dan too.” Mark added: “Massive cheer went up in this house …chuffed for him,” while Patricia commented: “What a worthy winner and what a guy … shout out to Daryl speaks volumes.”

As in tradition on Bake Off, the programme gave viewers an insight into what the bakers got up to since departing the tent, including road tripping, foraging, judge office baking competitions - as well as one major life event for Matty. At the end of the VT, Bake Off revealed that after eight years together, Matty proposed to partner Lara and will be getting married next year.