Aaron Mountford-Myles admits he "hates baking cakes" after reaching Great British Bake Off final

Finalist said the show was "not a walk in the park" and involved intense preparation

A finalist from The Great British Bake Off has admitted that taking part in the popular baking series was far from easy, despite the joy and opportunities it has brought him. Aaron Mountford-Myles, from Stoke-on-Trent, finished as runner-up in the 16th series of the show, losing out to winner Jasmin Mitchell in November’s final.

Speaking about his experience, Mountford-Myles said the competition was “not a walk in the park” and involved intense preparation long before stepping into the famous tent. He explained that while the highs of the show outweighed the stress, viewers often underestimate the time, effort and pressure involved in writing recipes and performing under scrutiny.

Since the series aired, Mountford-Myles said he has noticed a change in how people interact with him, with strangers stopping him in the street to chat and many more people asking him to bake for them. However, he admitted that despite his success on the show, cakes are not something he enjoys making or eating, repeatedly stating that he “hates” baking cakes.

The baker revealed he first applied for the programme around eight years ago, encouraged by a colleague who praised the homemade tarts he would bring into work. After unsuccessful applications in the past, he finally secured a place on the show this year, describing the experience as the best of his life and a powerful mix of stress, excitement and achievement.

Mountford-Myles, who is currently studying for an MA in analytics, also reflected on how feedback from judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith helped him grow. He said learning to accept criticism, even when it conflicted with his own tastes, changed the way he approaches feedback both inside and outside the tent.

Looking ahead, he said life has largely returned to normal, although he will be baking a triple chocolate tart for his cousin at Christmas and may recreate one of his Bake Off desserts. He also hinted at possible future television appearances, admitting he would love the chance to appear on BBC reality series The Traitors.