GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF hopeful Julia Chernogorova has told how her growing army of fans has left her embarrassed.
The 21-year-old Russian baker has been winning rave reviews for her cakes and feisty attitude but admits the praise has thrown her a little.
She said: “The reaction back home has been absolutely fantastic – they couldn’t believe it.
“I’m not used to it so I’m probably not the best one to take a compliment. I guess it will take time, but I’m very grateful.
“I know that Russian people from all over the world love Bake Off as they have been messaging me.”
Julia had been keen to land a spot on GBBO since she moved to the UK three years ago. Now living in Sussex, she even quit her job so she could devote herself totally to Bake Off.
Julia, who met Gatwick Airport engineer husband Matt on holiday in Turkey when she was 17, said: “When I have something in my head, I have to go out and do it.
“I wouldn’t have been able to give 100% at work and also plan all the recipes. I think sitting at work would have been absolute torture for me.”
Julia says she found Bake Off a more stressful situation than she imagined.
“I am quite an emotional person,” she adds. “I thought I could handle the pressure much better than I did.
“The whole experience is such a rollercoaster – the highs and the lows – but I loved every moment.
“I don’t think I could have done it without Matt to be honest.
“He was the one who was always there for me, calming me down and picking me up after a meltdown.”
Tuesday’s episode saw Edinburgh architect Tom Hetherington become the latest to leave the tent.
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