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Q&A: Frances

Series four winner Frances on her biggest fear in the kitchen…

What first inspired you to bake?

My mum, sister and being encouraged to see the kitchen as another room to play, explore and eat in. I am the youngest of five so Sunday afternoons baking up vast quantities of flapjacks and cakes for tea and packed lunches were both a tradition and necessity!

What has been your biggest baking disaster ever?

A ‘healthy’ banana cake that got a reputation as a baking breeze block!

And your baking triumph ever?

Creating my friend’s wedding cake in Vancouver, having flown a 10 hour flight with 5kg of British butter in my luggage to bake it with!

How does the presence of Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry affect your nerves in the kitchen?

Having them there made me talk even more randomly than normal and had me swapping a spoon for a pencil in an attempt to illustrate my baking designs on parchment paper to them!

Which past Bake Off contestants have impressed you the most and why?

James and his spontaneous spun sugar cobwebs.

What is your biggest fear in the kitchen?

Running out of cinnamon and an oven malfunction.

Quick questions…

Tea or coffee? Both, but tea at a push and am also partial to peppermint!

White or brown bread? Brown

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate

Paul or Mary? Pa-ry!