Matty Edgell: 5 Shocking New Updates From The Great British Bake Off’s Unlikely Champion

The Great British Bake Off (GBBO) has a history of crowning beloved bakers, but few wins have been as genuinely surprising—and heartwarming—as Matty Edgell’s victory in the 2023 series. As of December 2025, the former PE and science teacher has transitioned from the iconic white tent to a life filled with exciting personal milestones and a burgeoning professional baking career. His journey since being crowned champion has been nothing short of a fairytale, proving that the 'underdog' narrative is often the sweetest.

The latest updates on Matty Edgell are a delicious blend of career ambition and major family news. He has fully embraced his new status as a baking influencer and champion, leaving the classroom behind to focus on his culinary passion. From baking his own stunning wedding cake to a major announcement about his growing family, Matty’s life is a testament to how the show can truly change a contestant’s trajectory overnight.

Matty Edgell: The Great British Bake Off Champion Biography

Matty Edgell captured the hearts of millions with his humble demeanor, infectious smile, and remarkable improvement throughout Series 14 of *The Great British Bake Off*.

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• Full Name: Matty Edgell
• Age: 28 (at the time of the competition)
• Hometown: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England
• Pre-Bake Off Profession: PE and Science Teacher at Hampton College
• Baking Style: Self-taught, often studying online patisserie videos before bed. His baking is inspired by his Nan's traditional recipes. [cite: 3, 10 (from first search), 15 (from second search)]
• GBBO Series: Series 14 (2023)
• GBBO Status: Winner and Champion
• Fiancée/Wife: Lara Lucienne (married May 2024) [cite: 6 (from second search)]
• Post-Show Career: Full-time baker, recipe developer, and culinary educator. [cite: 5 (from first search), 12 (from first search)]

The Underdog’s Rise: Matty’s Journey to the GBBO Final

Matty entered the tent as a self-confessed novice, with his fiancée, Lara, having secretly applied for the show on his behalf. [cite: 1 (from first search)] This 'underdog' status became central to his narrative, as he consistently improved, surprising the judges and viewers alike with his progress.

Key Moments That Defined Matty’s Win

While his fellow finalists, Josh Smalley and Dan Hunter, were strong contenders, Matty peaked at precisely the right time, demonstrating technical skill and creativity when it mattered most. [cite: 4 (from second search)]

• First Star Baker: Matty earned his first Star Baker accolade during Week 4, which was the intense Chocolate Week. [cite: 1 (from second search), 11 (from second search)] This win gave him a significant confidence boost early in the competition.
• The Coveted Handshake: A true turning point came in Week 8, during Party Week. Matty secured his second Star Baker title and, more importantly, received a highly sought-after Paul Hollywood Handshake for his perfect sausage rolls. [cite: 3 (from second search), 9 (from second search)] This moment validated his technical ability in the eyes of the toughest judge.
• The Final Showstopper: In the final, Matty’s Showstopper—a three-tiered ‘Final Celebration’ cake—was praised for its complex flavors and design, ultimately tipping the scales in his favor over his rivals. [cite: 10 (from second search)] His reaction to the win was one of genuine shock and disbelief, further endearing him to the audience. [cite: 15 (from first search)]

Judge Prue Leith and host Alison Hammond often praised Matty for his earnest effort and his ability to learn quickly under pressure, making his victory a triumph of persistence and passion over prior experience.

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Life After the Tent: 5 Major Updates from Matty Edgell

Since his dramatic win, Matty Edgell has been busier than ever, moving on from his teaching career and embracing a new chapter of professional baking and personal milestones. Here are the five most significant updates from the GBBO champion.

1. He Left Teaching to Become a Full-Time Baker

Immediately following his win, Matty announced he would be leaving his job as a PE and science teacher at Hampton College. [cite: 12 (from first search)] He has since transitioned into a full-time career in the culinary world, focusing on recipe development and sharing his creations across social media. [cite: 5 (from first search)] His goal is now to teach a new generation of home bakers, blending his coaching mindset with his newfound baking expertise. [cite: 5 (from first search)]

2. Matty Baked His Own Wedding Cake

In May 2024, Matty married his long-time fiancée, Lara Lucienne, in a beautiful countryside wedding in Hertfordshire, England. The ultimate test of his baking skills came in the form of his own wedding cake. [cite: 6 (from second search)] He designed and baked a magnificent three-tier creation for the special occasion. [cite: 3 (from second search)] The cake featured a variety of sophisticated flavors, including chocolate brownies and an olive oil-orange sponge. [cite: 3 (from second search)]

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3. He is Working on a Cookbook

Following in the footsteps of many previous Bake Off winners, Matty has confirmed that a cookbook is on the horizon. [cite: 12 (from first search)] His website is already filled with free, easy-to-follow recipes, but fans are eagerly anticipating a dedicated book that captures his signature style and humble approach to home baking. [cite: 6 (from first search), 16 (from second search)]

4. A Major Family Announcement: Matty is Going to be a Dad!

The most exciting personal update came after his wedding: Matty and Lara announced they are expecting their first child together. [cite: 2 (from first search), 7 (from first search)] This news marks a huge personal milestone for the couple, further cementing the life-changing impact of his time on the show.

5. He Continues to Champion the 'Baking for Fun' Mentality

Despite his professional success, Matty remains committed to the idea that baking should be a fun, accessible hobby. He often stresses that experience isn't everything and encourages others to try new things in the kitchen, just as he did in the tent. [cite: 9 (from second search)] His online presence focuses on simple, delicious homemade cakes and recipes, maintaining the relaxed, approachable persona that won over the *GBBO* audience.