Nancy Birtwhistle wins The Great British Bake Off 2014

Nancy Birtwhistle has been crowned winner of The Great British Bake Off 2014.



Birtwhistle managed to beat Richard Burr and Luis Troyano to the title, after a strong final performance in the Bake Off tent.

Judge Mary Berry gave Birtwhistle "top marks for flavouring" in her signature challenge apple and lemon kites, while Paul Hollywood commented that her almond and raspberry croissants could do with some minor improvements.

Birtwhistle also came first in this week's technical challenge, which consisted of making 12 mini Victoria sponges, 12 scones and 12 tarte au citrons in the space of two hours.

Berry described Birtwhistle's Victoria sponges as having "a perfect bake", but they failed to impress Hollywood for lacking piped cream.

Her scones were praised for having a lovely texture, while her citrons were given top marks and deemed "not bad at all".

Finally, Birtwhistle's Moulin Rouge-inspired Showstopper inched her closer to the crown as Berry told her that she "should be very proud" of her windmill effort, and Hollywood described the cake model as "beautiful".

"I don't know how I'm feeling really, absolutely overwhelmed and a bit emotional," said Birtwhistle. "Who could believe it that I could win?!"

Both Berry and Hollywood insisted that they were in complete agreement over who they crowned winner, with Berry describing Birtwhistle as having "instinct" and being "a perfectionist".

"Everything just joined together for the final, Nancy absolutely nailed it," said Hollywood.