First by degrees: Manchester student wins Great British Bake Off

Law graduate John Whaite has been crowned king of the Great British Bake Off on BBC 2.

John graduated this year with a first in LLB Law, but had to complete his degree whilst perfecting his pastry for the hit TV show which has regularly pulled in more than five million viewers.

Wigan-born John, 23, believes the double challenge actually helped him to achieve his goals: “If I hadn’t been in the middle of the degree I’m not sure I would have won," he said.

“It meant I had to be organised and know what I needed for the exam and what I needed for baking and it helped me concentrate. I don’t think I’d have got such a good grade without Bake Off.

“It was tough though. I finished one exam on a Friday and went to Bristol to film the semi-final before getting home late on Sunday in time for another exam on Monday.”

John also completed a summer scheme with top Law firm Eversheds but after winning the Bake Off title, he now plans to release his own recipe book and swap the School of Law for pastry classes.

Follow John on Twitter: @John_Whaite

Notes for editors

Contact Jon Keighren, Media Relations Manager, The University of Manchester 0161 275 8384