Great British Bake Off’s Rahul Mandal says he felt ‘anxious and emotional’ throughout the competition and feared he let beloved grandma down after his vegan cake collapsed
GREAT British Bake Off's Rahul Mandal says he felt "anxious and emotional" throughout the competition.
The research scientist also revealed that the collapse of his vegan cake was his lowest moment of the series.
Speaking to The Sun's TV Mag, Rahul, 30, admitted it wasn't plain-sailing for him.
The baking star from Rotherham said: "Irrespective of my performance, I always felt very anxious and emotional before judging, something that's clearly visible in the show.
"My most emotional moment was when my vegan showstopper cake, which was dedicated to my late grandmother collapsed in the fridge.
"In a way, I felt like I let my grandmother down, but Noel (Fielding) and Sandi (Toksvig) were so supportive.
"They came and talked it through with me."
Rahul added that all the contestants share a WhatsApp group, and explained how difficult it was to say bye each week to another person.
He said: "It was really sad that we had to lose a baker each week.
"We especially felt it in the morning on the way to the tent on the bus, because we usually had our own seats."
Rahul - who was born and raised in Kolkata in India - has wowed fans from the get-go on his way to the final.
At the start of the competition, he explained that his background and time in the UK, after moving here at the age of 23 and winning a student scholarship, have shaped his baking approach into "East meets West".
Earlier today it was revealed that fans were threatening to abandon the Channel 4 show if Rahul is crowned the winner in tonight's final.
Some viewers were adamant he cheated last week when he was spotted working on his cake after hosts Noel and Sandi said time was up on the Showstopper challenge.
MOST READ IN TV & SHOWBIZ
Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith still put him through to the final.
His popularity nosedived two weeks ago when he wasn't sent packing, despite messing up all three of his baking offerings.
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.