The cardiovascular researcher triumphs over tough competition to take the coveted Bake Off crown
Syabira Yusoff, a 32-year-old cardiovascular research associate from London, has emerged as the winner of the 2022 Great British Bake Off, beating fellow finalists Sandro Farmhouse and Abdul Rehman Sharif in the highly anticipated final episode of the Channel 4 baking competition.
“I can’t believe it. This is the biggest achievement of my life,” Syabira exclaimed after being named the winner. “All the hard work, the trial and error, it has all been worth it. I’m so proud of myself.”
Throughout the series, Syabira stood out for her unconventional flavour combinations and distinctive baking style, earning the title of Star Baker for three consecutive weeks. Reflecting on her journey, she described being a finalist as “like winning the lottery.”
“I’ve never been the top person in any competition before,” she confessed. “Maybe baking is my hidden talent that I only discovered recently.”
For the final challenges, the three contestants were tasked with preparing a summer picnic, with the challenge described as one of the most difficult in the history of the show. Syabira impressed the judges with her “no porky pie” made from aubergine and mushroom and a heart-shaped sandwich featuring broad beans and coriander paste, which judge Dame Prue Leith called “unusual” but “delicious.”
In the final technical challenge, Syabira faced some setbacks, with her summer pudding bombe failing to set. Despite this, Abdul secured his first technical challenge win of the season.
The ultimate test, the showstopper challenge, required the finalists to create an edible sculpture themed around “our beautiful planet.” Syabira opted for an orangutan holding up a forest, with Hollywood praising the colour work, though he suggested the animal’s face could have been more detailed.
Judges were impressed with her black-pepper genoise sponge, which was covered in a chocolate and hazelnut buttercream fur, with Hollywood calling it “delicious.” Dame Prue also appreciated the shortbread used for the orangutan’s head, calling it “buttery and very crisp.”
The final saw a return of co-host Noel Fielding, who had been absent earlier in the competition due to illness.
Sandro, a 30-year-old nanny from London, impressed the judges with his decoration skills throughout the series, though his final showstopper was criticised for being “a bit messy.” Hollywood praised the flavour of his lemon sponge despite some technical issues with timing.
Abdul, a 29-year-old electronics engineer, was consistent throughout the competition and was awarded Star Baker in the semi-final. His final display was less well-received, with Dame Prue calling his choux buns a “proper failure,” although she praised his biscuits.
The final saw the return of family and friends to Welford Park Estate, marking a significant reunion after two years of COVID restrictions, where previous contestants gathered to congratulate Syabira on her victory.
