John Whaite
Last year over seven million Brits tuned in to watch John Whaite crowned the winner of the BBC's BAFTA-winning The Great British Bake Off. Since his win John has continued to bake, he's written a book and also graced the cover of Europe's biggest selling gay magazine, Attitude. In this exclusive interview the 24 year-old talks candidly about being gay and coming out.
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Firstly, a very belated congratulations on your GBBO win! How did it feel to be crowned the winner? "It was bizarre. I couldn't quite believe that I'd won, I just remember feeling all jelly legged!" You appeared to be very comfortable being open in regards to your sexuality throughout the show. Was this the case? "I was very open. I've always been honest. I've never believed in trying to hide it because it is who I am. I don't believe in pretending." How was your coming out experience? "I first came out when I was about 13 and had a crush on a guy at drama. Mum sort of just said, 'OK dear', and we never spoke of it again. Then when I was at college and the crushes became more frequent we revisited it all." |
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You've spoken before about how baking has helped improve your mood when you've not been feeling your best.
Did the process of coming to terms with being gay ever cause you to suffer with low moods?
Did the process of coming to terms with being gay ever cause you to suffer with low moods?
"I can see why being in the closet would cause bouts of depression because it's hiding yourself away, but for me I've never believed in letting things stew. I just declared who I was and cracked on with my life."
How do you feel about the recent equal marriage bill being passed? Is marriage something you see for yourself one day and if so would you make your own wedding cake?!
"I definitely want to marry Paul (my partner of five years - not Paul Hollywood!) because I adore him and respect him so much. I know I don't want to be with anyone else and I have tested what else is out there! When it comes to cake, I'll be making lots of our families' favourites!"
Did you have any gay role models when you were growing up and realising you were gay?
"I didn't really know any gay people because it was still a bit of a touchy subject, especially being a working class northern lad - it wasn't often discussed. But I really admired my friends at drama who were all very 'fabulous darling' and they really helped me through it."
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What advice would you give to anyone who was thinking of coming out? "Do it in the best possible way for you. Don't make it into a big drama - there's no need to play 'I'm coming out' as loud as you can from your bedroom! Just remember that the people you are most worried about coming out to will love you all the same. Try not to make it into a bigger deal than it might be." John's first book 'John Whaite Bakes' is available now Visit John's website at johnwhaite.com Follow on Twitter Like on Facebook |
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