Kokova Magazine

In 2011 Jo Wheatley won the second series of The Great British Bake Off. Balancing life as a wife, and a busy mum of three boys, Jo describes the Bake Off as 'life-changing' - as she has gone on to develop two recipe books and open her own home cookery school.

It is Wednesday and Week 3 of the current series, meaning that tonight viewers were treated to Bread Week on the Great British Bake Off. Along with the other millions of viewers I watched to find out who succeeded in the challenges set. Earlier today I had the opportunity to talk to Jo and ask her a few questions about this exceptionally popular show:

Jo, what can you share about your experience of Bake Off?
"I had no idea what to expect, it was a surprise to even make it on to the show. I just got through week by week, it was so nerve wrecking. I didn't want to practise too much, in case it went wrong, I just completed the challenges, as they were set. I really had no idea that I would get to the final."

Are you watching the latest series? Do you follow each week and think about how you would complete a challenge differently?
"Yes, I do enjoy watching but no, I don't think I would say anything, the pressure is so intense. You know what - nothing prepares you for being on the show. It's so nerve wrecking and few people have ever been in that situation. You don't realise how much your nerves play until you are on television!

I was fortunate enough to stay through to the end and, at one point, I remember in the semi-final having four camera crew teams around me. That's about 12 people round your work counter. I wasn't used to being watched and it makes you feel very nervous. Not many people are comfortable in that situation, and it certainly doesn't come naturally to me."

What do you think of current series?
"I really am enjoying it. I feel it's the show it started off being, nice family entertainment. Home cooked food, and not orchestrated. It's achievable baking for everyone at home."

What do you think of the judges Paul (Hollywood) and Mary (Berry)?
"Really good. Mary tells you how it is and gives you praise but Paul is more cutting than Mary. They are a good combination and they are fair judges. Paul can be a bit more harsh. I think Sue (Perkins) and Mel (Giedroyc) are great and the team of four works well."

Who do you feel is the strongest contender this year?
"It really is too early to say. However, the Star Baker from Bread Week often goes through to the final!"

What was your favourite week back in 2011?
"It was the Final. I loved my showstopper in a cabinet of Petite Fours, mini Victoria Sandwiches, Raspberry White Chocolate and Pistachio mini meringues and mini Banoffee Pie with Banana Mousse. My nerves had disappeared by then. I felt like I did not want to miss out on any of it.

When I was a kid, if my parents were having a party I was always wide-awake, I never wanted to miss out then, and this was the same. I was through and that was such an achievement. I genuinely didn't realise I had won. I was so shocked. It first felt like tumbleweed in my head. I couldn't think what to say. I never, ever expected to win."

Are you keeping up with anyone from the Bake Off?
"Yes Holly Bell, John Waite, Frances, Richard and Luis. I have seen a few of the other guys too at various shows. I haven't met Nadiya yet and hopefully I will meet her at the Cake and Bake Show soon."

What has happened since the Bake Off?
"I have been working with Unilever for the last four years and they run a countrywide Bake Off. The winner of which comes to bake with me at my cookery school. This is always fun. This year we ran a similar idea with care homes. The residents made gingerbread houses and the winner made a birdhouse design from gingerbread, such a lovely idea and original. I have done cookery demonstrations and interactive sessions and found some of the residents to be pastry chefs. It has been really lovely."

The Blue Aga Cookery School, How did that all come about?
"You know what - my kids were growing up, my youngest was just finishing his GCSE's and I thought "wouldn't it be nice to do something". A home cookery school worked well with the picking up and commitments. The cookery school has a schedule of baking classes for everyone. I set up the website before anyone knew I had won. Nothing really happened till the night of the final and suddenly my classes sold out overnight.

Currently the cookery school is at home in Essex but we will be moving to Cambridge soon. And when we move to Cambridge there will be a broader range of classes available. While it's in my home I have been limited to only run one children's class a year, so looking forward to more at the new separate premises. I do think that is very important to get children baking. If you can teach children to cook it is less likely they will run to McDonalds and skip dinner. It's now normal for both parents to be at work and it's a really good skill to teach our children to be self-sufficient. Going on to university, college and in later life, my older boys do more of the cooking in their homes than their partners."

What about the future? You have two cookery books 'Home Baking' and 'A Passion for Baking'. Any more planned?
"Hopefully there will be more books but moving is going to be the priority. These premises I am buying - it's a beautiful thatched property and has been running as a gastro pub so it's going to be converted into a coffee shop and cookery school. This is going to take the foreseeable future. I don't want to put a time on it. This is my dream - a place where everyone is comfortable to come and have coffee and a cake or a gastronomic experience. Everyone is welcome, families, dog walkers, everyone."

Do you have a celebrity chef or cook who inspires you?
"Nigella Lawson has always been my inspiration. She emailed me her congratulations when I won the Bake Off and this was a huge highlight for me. Nigella wrote the foreword in my second book. She is an amazing lady, a great mum and very career minded. I think that is a great inspiration to all mums."

When your new premises are open, I would love to come to Cambridge and visit.
"Of course, when we are up and running I will let you know. Please come and see what you think."

In 2011 - Bread Week - Jo's signature recipe was Mozzarella, Ham and Picante Pepper Stromboli. If you would like to see Jo Wheatley, up close and baking, visit the Cake and Bake Show this year. She will be in London on Saturday 8th October and then Manchester on Thursday 10th, Friday 11th and Saturday 12th November 2016.

Follow Jo @JoanneWheatley

Discover more at www.josblueaga.com

The Cake and Bake Show details and tickets can be found at www.thecakeandbakeshow.co.uk