Great British Bake Off finale loses more than half a million viewers

But the episode was still the most-watched instalment of the current series 
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Tobi Akingbade30 October 2019

The Great British Bake Off finale was down half a million viewers compared to the last episode of the 2018 series, overnight ratings reveal.

An average of 6.9 million viewers tuned in to watch underdog David Atherton walk away as the winner of the Channel 4 series in Tuesday night’s emotional final.

Last year’s final, which saw Rahul Mandal win, drew an average of 7.5 million viewers in the overnight ratings.

However, despite the drop, the programme had the biggest audience watching any TV channel in the 8pm to 9.15pm timeslot and it was the highest-rated episode of the series.

Great British Bake Off 2019 crowns David Atherton winner

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David saw off competition from four-time star baker Steph Blackwell, and the steady talent of Alice Fevronia, who were left in tears during a stressful climax to the show.

David stunned Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith with his showstopper and was the only contestant to present a serviceable souffle.

Fellow finalist Steph was reduced to tears, saying “I just feel a bit stupid” after her own effort collapsed into liquid, and was given a hug by Hollywood after her showstopper was poorly received.

Dave was crowned the winner of 2019 Great British Bake Off (Mark Bourdillon/Channel 4 )
Mark Bourdillon/Love Productions

Alice was left crying at the thought that her family might not arrive to see her finish the show.

David remained stress-free in the final and said: "It feels so good. It’s been weeks and weeks of intensity and fatigue and then to finish it with this.

“I saved the best ’til last, and it’s the best feeling in the world.

The Great British Bake Off Winners - In pictures

The Great British Bake Off 2020
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“Honestly it was never in my mind that I thought I could win this, I have had daydreams of winning Bake Off for about 10 years," he continued.

“I really enjoyed every episode in the tent and I never felt that I was flaky throughout the whole series, although I did feel very nervous at the final which was unlike me.

“I felt the pressure in the tent but I just didn’t get stressed, I did feel nervous but I didn’t let it get to me. I wanted to enjoy myself rather than having any negative feelings.”

Speaking of his victory, judge Prue Leith added: “David is an extraordinary baker and I am so full of admiration for him. Right from the beginning he has never lost his temper he has always been very neat and organised.

“It was really a question of the tortoise catching the hare, he just steadily went on and won.”

David and his fellow bakers will join Jo Brand on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice on November 1 at 8.00 pm on Channel 4.

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