Who is Bake Off’s Andrew Smyth? The 2016 finalist is back for the show’s Christmas special
Remember Andrew Smyth from the Great British Bake Off?
He made it to the final alongside fellow contestants Jane and Candice back in 2016 before eventually losing out to the latter.
But by no means has not winning the competition held him back - in fact, the 27-year-old coming back to Bake Off for the show's Christmas Day special tomorrow. Here's everything you need to know about the returning favourite.
What has Andrew Smyth done since Bake Off?
For starters, he now counts Prince William as a customer. Last year, he spent ten hours making a cake for the future king. Opening up to the , he said after sampling a slice. the royal commented that he'd "have to have a word with Mary Berry" as to why he didn't win.
Andrew now describes himself as a presenter as well as a baker, having hosted shows for the likes of the BBC, ITV and Channel 5. He also fronts his own baking series online entitled Bakineering.
This year, he toured the UK with his live baking & engineering show " of engineers."
In just a few hours, he'll be gracing the nation's screens again on Channel 4 as he competes in the Great British Bake Off Christmas special alongside Liam Charles, Flo Atkins and Jane Beedle.
Did Andrew Smyth win Bake Off?
Unfortunately, no, he didn't - although, he did make the final before losing out to Candice.
Series highlights for Andrew include his 'Cambridge Punting' gingerbread creation and his Ferris Wheel during Dessert Week.
Is Andrew Smyth a professional baker?
Actually, he's a professional engineer by trade - he just happens to love baking and is pretty darn good at it too.
The star baker is actually a Cambridge University graduate with a top degree in engineering, and before Bake Off, he worked for Rolls Royce designing Jet Engines.
While trying to impress judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood, Andrew drew on his experiences at Cambridge for inspiration.
How did Andrew Smyth get into baking?
His parents taught him the basics but it was his granny that really inspired him.
Andrew started experimenting with baking after moving out of his parents' house when he left for university and the rest, as they say, i shistory.
"My granny Helen McDowell is a good baker," he told the . "I made her chocolate cake in the Bake Off final, in tribute to her, and let out her closely guarded secret - evaporated milk for the chocolate fudge icing. It's still on the BBC website."
Can Andrew Smyth sing?
Yes, pretty well in fact.
When he isn't baking, Andrew sings as a tenor for the Derby Bach Choir.
Where is Andrew Smyth from?
Andrew is originally from Co. Down Northern Ireland.
What time is the Bake Off Christmas special on?
The Great British Bake Off Christmas special is on Channel 4, Christmas Day at 8pm.