Great British Bake Off 2015 finale is most-watched TV programme of the year with 14 million viewers
It wasn’t just Nadiya that was celebrating yesterday as BBC One get ratings win
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Last night’s Great British Bake Off might have featured towering cakes but it has also reached the dizzy heights of the most-watched television programmes across all channels so far this year.
The finale of the baking competition, won by Nadiya Jamir Hussain for her impressive wedding cake showstopper, was watched by an average of 13.4 million viewers, according to overnight ratings.
The peak at 8.55pm was watched by 14.5 million, beating last year's figure of 13.3 million.
The programme, presented by Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, also took the cake for the most watched non-sport programme on a Wednesday night since Christmas Day 2002.
Nadiya took the prize after 10 weeks and 30 challenges during which her creativity and humour made her a favourite with viewers.
The 30-year-old mother from Leeds beat fellow finalists Tamal Ray, 29, and three-time Star Baker Ian Cumming, 41.
Nadiya, who had previously expressed fears that she would be seen as “just a headscarf”, delighted fans with her varied facial expressions as she switched between delight, despair, shock, terror and joy as she baked her way to victory.
She wowed the judges with last week’s biscuit peacock and during the finale produced faultless iced buns, millefeuille and a Union Jack-themed wedding cake wrapped in a sari.
Nadiya said: “I went into the tent as the smallest baker at 4ft 11in but I walked out feeling a giant - almost as tall as my fellow baker, six-footer Mat Riley.”
Charlotte Moore, the controller of BBC One, said: “Event television at its best! The dramatic and emotional final of The Great British Bake Off rose to the occasion and brought the nation together on BBC One to become the most watched TV show of the year with 13.4 million viewers, and a peak audience of 14.5 million, smashing last year's final.
“Congratulations Nadiya and the Bake Off team!”
The Great British Bake Off will return to BBC One next year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments