'Great British Bake Off' crowns housewife Jo Wheatley

Jo Wheatley has been crowned the winner of BBC Two's The Great British Bake Off.



Wheatley's final 'show-stopping' bake included mini Victoria sponge sandwiches, white chocolate and raspberry pistachio meringues and mini banoffee pies that wowed judges Mary Berry and John Hollywood.

"That would be seen in any five-star hotel's afternoon tea area," said Hollywood, who described her meringues as "dancing" on his tongue.

After Wheatley was named the Bake Off champion ahead of finalists Holly Bell and Mary-Anne Boermans, Hollywood added: "Her progression in the whole Bake Off has been superb. Technical ability, and the precision, and the flavour, all thrown in... superb."

Berry added: "She has achieved great heights, I hope she's chuffed to bits."

Speaking at the end of the show, an emotional Wheatley said: "I feel really, really emotional, I just feel totally overwhelmed. Total delight. I feel really proud of myself."

The Great British Bake Off has been a ratings hit for BBC Two and peaked at over 5 million viewers for last night's finale.