The ultimate prize in amateur baking, the coveted glass cake stand from The Great British Bake Off (GBBO), has just been awarded to a new champion, marking the end of another spectacular season. As of December 2025, the newest baker to lift the trophy is North London's own Thomas "Tom" Arden, a Creative Entrepreneur whose ambitious ideas and bold presentation captivated the judges and viewers alike. This article dives deep into Tom's incredible journey, his biography, and provides the most current, up-to-date look at what has become of some of the show's most beloved past winners, from Nadiya Hussain's latest projects to Rahul Mandal's dual career.
The intensity of the Bake Off tent, with its Signature, Technical, and Showstopper challenges, creates instant stars, but the real curiosity lies in what happens after the cameras stop rolling. While the prize is not a cash sum, the exposure from winning the Channel 4 show (known as The Great British Baking Show in the US) is a springboard to a new career in food writing, television, and entrepreneurship. Read on for the freshest updates on the lives and careers of the GBBO champions.
The Reigning Champion: Thomas "Tom" Arden (GBBO 2025)
The 2025 final of The Great British Bake Off, Series 16, saw a tense showdown between three exceptional bakers: Tom Arden, Aaron Mountford-Myles, and the five-time Star Baker, Jasmine Mitchell. Ultimately, it was Tom's blend of innovation, technical skill, and sheer ambition in the showstopper challenge that secured his victory.
Tom Arden: Biography and Profile
- Full Name: Thomas "Tom" Arden
- Age: 31
- Hometown: Kentish Town, North London, England
- Occupation: Creative Entrepreneur
- GBBO Season: Series 16 (2025)
- Key Baking Style: Known for his ambitious and innovative ideas, often incorporating bold presentation and complex technical elements.
- Pre-Bake Off Life: Tom is an active member of two queer sports teams, a passion he continues to balance with his baking. His journey started with mastering simple bakes like scones and flapjacks before evolving into the complex patisserie seen in the tent.
- Season Highlights: Tom was an early favourite, receiving a highly coveted Paul Hollywood handshake early in the competition. He secured the win in the final with a showstopper that was described as the "largest cake" in the show's history.
What is Tom Arden Doing Now? (Post-Win Update)
As the most recent champion, Tom Arden's post-show career is only just beginning, with his win being crowned in December 2025. While a major cookbook deal or television project is likely to be announced in the coming months, his immediate focus has been on celebrating and navigating his new local celebrity status in Kentish Town.
He is actively continuing his passion for baking, channeling the energy from the competition back into his kitchen. His current focus remains on his existing role as a Creative Entrepreneur while exploring the opportunities that come with being a GBBO winner. Fans are eagerly awaiting his first official recipe book, which is expected to showcase his unique flair for bold and innovative bakes.
Where Are The Great British Bake Off Winners Now? (Fresh Updates 2025)
The Great British Bake Off has produced over a dozen winners, many of whom have turned their victory into a full-time, successful career. Here is a look at what some of the most memorable champions are doing in late 2025, proving the power of the cake stand trophy.
Nadiya Hussain (Series 6 - 2015)
Nadiya Hussain remains arguably the most successful and recognizable GBBO winner globally. Her emotional victory speech in 2015 launched a media empire that shows no signs of slowing down, even a decade later.
- Current Status (2025): Nadiya is still a prolific author and television personality. While she recently confirmed that the BBC has decided not to renew her long-running cooking show, she is already back with a new venture: Nadiya's Cook Once, Eat Twice for BBC Two and iPlayer.
- Entrepreneurial Success: In a major commercial move, Nadiya's new range of cakes, including the Aromatic Spiced Banana Caramel, is rolling out in over 300 Tesco stores nationwide from June 2025, cementing her status in the retail sector.
- Recent Work: She continues to publish popular cookbooks, including *Nadiya's Simple Spices* and *Nadiya's Everyday Baking*, and hosts various podcasts and television appearances globally.
Rahul Mandal (Series 9 - 2018)
Rahul Mandal’s nervous but immensely talented demeanor won the hearts of millions. Unlike many other winners, Rahul has chosen to maintain a demanding career outside of the baking world, successfully balancing two very different professions.
- Current Status (2025): Rahul continues to work full-time as an engineering researcher at the University of Sheffield's Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC).
- Baking Career: He balances his scientific career with his baking passion, writing recipes, making television appearances, and publishing his own cookbooks, such as *Showstopping Cakes*. He often shares his bakes with his colleagues at the Nuclear AMRC, where his baking journey began.
David Atherton (Series 10 - 2019)
David Atherton, a former Global Health Adviser, brought a focus on healthy, accessible baking to the tent, a theme he has carried into his post-show career.
- Current Status (2025): David has become a successful food writer and columnist. He writes a regular food column for *The Guardian*, where he shares fun and healthy recipes, staying true to his ethos from the show.
- Published Works: He has authored multiple popular cookbooks, including his debut *Bake, Make, and Learn to Cook*, which focuses on encouraging children to get into the kitchen, and other titles that blend his passion for baking with his health advisory background.
The Enduring Legacy of The Tent and the Great British Bake Off
The Great British Bake Off, whether it’s on the BBC or Channel 4, continues to be a cultural phenomenon that transforms ordinary lives. The intense pressure of the Technical Challenge, the creativity of the Showstopper, and the simple perfection of the Signature Bake are all part of a rigorous process that forges true baking talent. The winner's journey, from the first Hollywood Handshake to the final crowning, is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.
The success stories of champions like Tom Arden, Nadiya Hussain, and Rahul Mandal prove that the GBBO title is more than just a cake stand; it is a golden ticket. Whether they pursue a full-time media career, like Nadiya, or balance it with a demanding scientific job, like Rahul, every winner leaves The Tent with a platform to inspire millions to get into the kitchen. The latest updates in 2025 show that the GBBO legacy is evolving, with Tom Arden ready to write the next chapter of this incredible baking success story.
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