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David Atherton was the little baker (with amazing cheekbones) that could.
(Still looking at that illusion picnic-basket feast?
So are we.)
Sometimes my work takes me out of the country without much notice.
Im a busy guy and always doing things, and always accidentally double- or triple-book myself.
I give a lot of last-minute apologies.
People just thought I was hard to reach as always.
Why is that?I really didnt want to be on TV.
I loved the idea of the actual show being given a challenge to bake new things.
But being on TV with millions of people watching didnt appeal to me at all.
Its a fairly nice show.
I didnt mind looking a bit silly at times, but it was all very positive.
DidBaking ShowDavid align with regular David for you?No, but I never really expected that to happen.
Im a character on the show and they have to tell a story.
Thats not me, but its okay.
I get they have to have characters.
Were you bummed that certain moments of your fun side werent included?Kind of.
My absolute favorite moment didnt make the cut.
They all came around my desk, had a roll, and we chatted for a bit.
Icouldhave spent more time doing my bake, but thats me.
I loved the buzz of the tent and being with everyone.
I bake for people!
I guess it wasnt part of the storyBaking Showwanted to show.
I dont recall that happening much in the past before.
Did you always finish so early?Pretty much every time.
I always thought I could be doing more things, but I didnt want to overthink it.
People always said my bench was the cleanest, and thats because I had nothing else to do.
Around an hour early.
So Id clean and sit in silence.
Or talk to the crew.
They still felt the pressure.
I even surprised myself because my mantra right from the start was to sit back and enjoy the experience.
Easier said than done, right?
I felt like the underdog because Paul Hollywood didnt like my bakes much.
Its not objective judging; its subjective.
I wasnt going to change that.
Youre meant to have your personality in your bakes.
Also, this is interesting.
Id done some research throughout filming the episodes.
The only exception to that is Nadiya Hussain.
I checked and I had the best technical record of anyone inBaking Showhistory.
So I was quite confident knowing that I was a strong technical baker.
Why do you think Paul didnt prefer your baking style?I used a lot of spices.
The show encourages you to put your personality in bakes and to be adventurous.
But Paul has simple tastes.
He doesnt like saffron, so its very difficult if you put saffron in a bake like I did.
He doesnt like clove or any spices.
He likes the traditional flavors of chocolate, caramel, and raspberry.
I wanted to be true to my baking, since thats what were asked to do.
They could all collapse and fall into pieces, but at least itll be interesting.
It would be ridiculous if people werent achieving success with the showstoppers, thats what Ill say.
Week after week Id be so impressed with what everyone had done.
There were no pools of mousse or icing or anything that spoke of failure.
The showstopperhasto be a showstopper.
Pools of mousse reminds me did you all have temperate weather this season?
There were nobrutally hot tent moments.Yeah, we weresolucky.
They dont make a run at climate control the tent.
If youre boiling hot, thats just too bad.
What does the future look like for you?
Im pretty much up for any opportunity.
The show should absolutely do it.
Im ready for the next stage in my life.
