Bake Off star reveals his wife has given birth to first child and says it’s ‘better than winning the show’
BAKE Off star Rahul Mandal has become a dad for the first time – and says it is better than winning the show.
The 37-year-old, who won the show in 2018, shared his happy news today with an announcement in The Times before posting pictures online.
In a touching post, Rahul told his followers: “There is something we want to share. You might have read it in today’s @thetimes.
“If there is anything that can ever top the experience of holding @britishbakeoff trophy, this is it.
“Everyone, let me introduce you to our daughter, Debeshi Mandal, born on 10th December 2024.”
He continued: “We are back from the hospital today. Please send your blessings to Debeshi.
“Now, to the reality of looking after a baby, that neither of us have much experience of. But we will keep trying to do our best, as we did during the pregnancy.”
Rahul went on to describe the difficulties the couple have faced, explaining: “Thousands of miles away from our family the past 9 months was a journey that brought us closer and made us stronger as a couple. Hopefully, we will be good parents, so please, any advice, suggestions, and support is welcome.
“We also had to do tonnes of laundry to sort out. Our washing machine decided to take a break and enjoy our parenthood with us. Hopefully, it will be sorted soon.
“Just wanted to thank the maternity team in Rotherham Hospital and the amazing team in Greenoaks for supporting us during this amazing journey.”
During this time on the baking show, Rahul overcame two disasters to be crowned the unlikely winner
He was distraught when his icing bag exploded during the first doughnut challenge.
And he suffered an even worse catastrophe during the final showstopper task, to create an Edible Landscape, when his mixing bowl smashed, forcing him to start again.
But judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, were impressed with Rahul’s efforts and he beat his rivals Ruby Bhogal, and Kim-Joy Hewlett, to the title.
The scientist was born and raised in Kolkata, India, before his big move to the UK at 23, when he won a scholarship.
Since the show Rahul has continued his day job and works as an engineering researcher at the University of Sheffield’s Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
He has however written his own cookbook – Showstopping Cakes: Mastering the Art and Science of Baking – writes for The Times and also makes regular TV appearances.