Leighton Morgan for The Great British Bake Off 2025 / Channel 4
Age: 59
From: Surrey
Occupation: Software Delivery Manager
How did you react to the news that you would be on the show?
“Never in a million years did I think I’d actually get into the Bake Off tent. I know everyone says that, but it’s true! I absolutely love baking – all kinds, all styles – and I’m very much a weekend baker who bakes for friends, family, and my work colleagues. It’s always been a passion, but I never imagined it would lead me to the tent.
“I remember the moment I got the call so clearly. I was working at my desk at home when the phone rang—and when they told me I was in, I screamed with joy! My husband, who was upstairs in his office, heard me and immediately knew what it was. It was one of those surreal, pinch-me moments that you think only happens to other people. We celebrated with a bottle of champagne that evening. I was grinning like a Cheshire cat for days!”
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a baker?
“I’d say one of my biggest strengths is making flavourful sponge cakes, delicious sourdough bread and gorgeous pastries . I love experimenting with different recipes, but for my cakes, I always come back to the classics – like a zingy lemon drizzle or a beautifully light Victoria sandwich. There’s nothing better than seeing people’s faces light up when they take that first bite… and then go back for a second (or third!).
“As for weaknesses—well, I’ll admit I can get a bit flustered under time pressure. I’m also not the most artistic when it comes to decoration. I have very little finesse. My piping skills are a work in progress, let’s say! But I’m always learning, and that’s part of the fun.”
Was it surreal meeting Noel and Alison for the first time?
“Meeting Alison and Noel was brilliant. It was a bit surreal at first – these are people you’ve watched on TV for years, and suddenly they’re standing next to your sponge! But they’re both so natural, warm, and genuinely funny that you relax almost instantly.
“That said, they can be very distracting while you’re baking! They’re both wonderfully naughty in the tent – popping up at the worst (and best) possible moments with a joke or a cheeky comment. Noel, in particular, has this incredible way of making you laugh even when you’re in a mid-bake panic. He helped me remember that, above all, this was meant to be fun – and for me, that was everything.”
How did you feel about your first judging from Paul and Prue?
“Surprisingly, no – I wasn’t really apprehensive about meeting Prue or Paul. Having watched Bake Off for so many years, it honestly felt like I already knew them! They were exactly as I expected: Paul with his intense stare and brutal, no-nonsense feedback, and Prue with her warmth and thoughtful comments. Of course, I still wanted to impress them – but it felt more like meeting old friends than facing a firing squad!”
The Great British Bake Off begins Tuesday night at 8pm on Channel 4.
