Waterlooville Great British Bake Off contestant Dave Friday set to become father

Dave Friday, from Waterlooville, is set to become a dad after sharing the news on Instagram that he is expecting a baby with girlfriend Stacey.

The 30-year-old was announced yesterday as one of 12 contestants in this year’s Great British Bake Off, which had to be filmed differently from previous series due to the Covid-19 pandemic with cast and crew having to live in a ‘self-contained biosphere’ for six weeks.

Speaking about the first time stepping in to the famous tent to bake, Dave said: ‘[I was] very pleased, it felt like a long build-up and that there were many hurdles to overcome first.

‘It was a dream come true walking in on that first morning.’

Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith are returning but presenter Noel Fielding will be part of a new duo after former University of Portsmouth chancellor Sandi Toksvig announced she would be leaving the show after three years.

Noel will be joined by comedian Matt Lucas as co-host.

Dave said: ‘I remember meeting Matt Lucas and realising that he was as nervous as I was being there.

‘Meeting Noel was a lifelong dream so meeting him was something I won’t forget!’

After moving in with Stacey, Dave found a passion for baking and describes his baking style as ‘innovative and imaginative’ and says his strengths lie in bread.

He also has a passion for cars and DIY, and loves taking his dog and cat for walks.

SEE ALSO: Ambulance crew called to 'intoxicated' woman, 20, at house party

He said: ‘My strengths are the ability to learn from mistakes, take criticism and use it to improve. I am incredibly determined and see the positive in every situation.

‘Weaknesses would be feeling overwhelmed when mess builds up and struggling with some baking jargon and French words!’

West Sussex pantomime producer Lottie Bedlow is also taking part.

The 31-year-old has been watching cookery shows on television since she was a child and found a love of baking from her Lancastrian great-grandmother.

She describes herself as a ‘perpetually frustrated perfectionist’.

The Great British Bake Off returns to Channel 4 on Tuesday, September 22.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.