Wednesday 14 September 2022 08:23 PM Bake Off's John Whaite reveals winning the show 'derailed' his life trends now Bake Off champion John Whaite has revealed winning the show 'derailed' his life. The baker, 33, who won the show in 2012 at the age of just 23, said that he never thought he would win the show and sometimes even regrets appearing. He also offered advice to future contestants and warned them to be careful what they wished for. Winner: Bake Off champion John Whaite, 33, has revealed winning the show 'derailed' his life and led to hitting the bottle Writing in The Telegraph he said: 'Some days I'd wish I had never been on the show, because in reality, it totally derailed me from a steady life path'. Following his success work soon dried up as numerous series of the show was commissioned and his fame began to wane. After giving up his dreams of becoming a lawyer, John said he found himself waiting for the phone to ring to be offered his next TV job and this is when he began to drank to excess. Youngster: The baker who won the show in 2012 at the age of just 23, said that he never thought he would win the show and sometimes even regrets appearing 'I drank more than I should have and posted unwisely on Instagram and Twitter. If I knew then what I knew now, would I do it all again? Absolutely. But I'd approach it so differently.' He went on to say that neither the BBC or Love Productions, who make the show, offered any advice on how to deal with his new found fame. Saying that following other reality contestant suicides, TV bosses should offer them guidance and advice for their 'post-show' lives. But he admitted: 'I don't think it would have made an ounce of difference even if they had [offered him advice]. Addiction to the razzle dazzle came naturally to the youthful me.' Old news: Following his success work soon dried up as numerous series of the show was commissioned and new bakers declared champion (pictured in 2012) John has since managed to carve his own career in showbiz and finished second in last years' Strictly in the show's first ever same sex couple, alongside professional dancer Johannes Radebe. Offering his advice to this year's line-up he said that they should grab the opportunity (and money) with both hands but to not take it too seriously. He urged the constants to remember that the person they were before the show is always the best version. Dancing shoes: John has since managed to carve his own career in showbiz and finished second in last years' Strictly in the show's first ever same sex couple, alongside professional dancer Johannes Radebe (pictured) It comes after the Great British Bake Off tent returned on Tuesday night with viewers praising the show for bringing back 'a slice of happiness' following the Queen's death. The latest series of the Channel 4 show saw Will, 45, sadly become the first baker to be sent home, while Yanusz, 34, was crowned as star baker. After the episode, viewers gushed that the show had brought 'comfort' following the sad news of the Queen's death, which has seen TV schedules change ahead of Monday's funeral. It's back! Will became the first person to leave the Great British Bake Off tent as viewers praised the show for bringing back happiness after the Queen's death Former charity director Will said he was 'disappointed' to be the first to leave the tent after he had a difficult few challenges, including forgetting to set his timer in the first challenge. 'Somebody has got to go first. Obviously I'm disappointed, but I'm proud to have made it. I've met a lovely bunch of people and got an experience I can share,' he said after his exit. After the much-anticipated return of Bake Off, viewers were quick to take to Twitter to thank the series for 'bringing back a slice of happiness' and a 'calming distraction' at a time of mourning following the Queen's death. One person wrote: 'Oh bake off, thank you for bringing back a slice of happiness.' 'Slice of happiness': Viewers expressed their joy at the show's return, saying it brought 'comfort' following the sad news of the Queen's death So sad: The country's longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, died 'peacefully', aged 96, at Balmoral in Scotland on Thursday Another said: 'Bake Off is the calming distraction I need from everything right now.' A third commented: 'Its not even funny how much i have been relying on the promise bake off for happiness all week.' The Great British Bake Off aired as planned on Tuesday amid recent scheduled changes following the Queen's death. Her Majesty passed away aged 96 on Thursday afternoon at Balmoral Castle and her coffin arrived at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday ahead of her funeral on Monday. Amid a period of mourning following the death of the country's longest-reigning monarch, many TV shows have been cancelled in favour of news coverage. GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS? Carol loves to garden and even hosts her own gardening show on local radio Carol Age: 59 Occupation: Supermarket cashier From: Dorset Carol loves to garden and even hosts her own gardening show on local radio. She loves creating colourful and eclectic bakes that are inspired by her passion for horticulture. Originally from Libya Maisam's favourite flavours are inspired by her Mediterranean heritage Maisam Age: 18 Occupation: Student & sales assistant From: Greater Manchester Originally from Libya Maisam's favourite flavours are inspired by her Mediterranean heritage. She speaks five languages and aims to make that seven by the time she turns 20. Swedish born Maxy's Scandinavian upbringing features heavily in her bakes Maxy Age: 29 Occupation: Architectural assistant From: London Swedish born Maxy's Scandinavian upbringing features heavily in her bakes with lots of cinnamon and saffron. She studied fine art and went on to achieve a Masters degree in Architecture. His ethos in the kitchen is to use the best, seasonal ingredients and to spend time refining technique – with these in hand, he believes the presentation will take care of itself Kevin Age: 33 Occupation: Music teacher From: Lanarkshire His ethos in the kitchen is to use the best, seasonal ingredients and to spend time refining technique – with these in hand, he believes the presentation will take care of itself. A talented musician, who not only teaches but also performs as a saxophonist. Great with kids Sandro likes to infuse his bakes with flavours from his Angolan heritage Sandro Age: 30 Occupation: Nanny From: London Great with kids Sandro likes to infuse his bakes with flavours from his Angolan heritage – the spice of paprika paired with tangy cheese, and sweet bakes smothered in dulce de leche. Malaysian born Syabira loves giving exotic twists to British classics Syabira Age: 32 Occupation: Cardiovascular Research Associate From: London Malaysian born Syabira loves giving exotic twists to British classics – chicken rendang Cornish pasties are a particular favourite. Dawn prides herself on her steady hand and attention to detail, especially when it comes to the intricacy required for lace patterns on biscuits= Dawn Age: 60 Occupation: IT Manager From: Bedfordshire Dawn prides herself on her steady hand and attention to detail, especially when it comes to the intricacy required for lace patterns on biscuits. Her favourite flavours are lemon, salted caramel and anything nutty. Scientist James loves the technical side of baking and his signature is ‘child-friendly horror’ style decoration. James Age: 25 Occupation: Nuclear Scientist From: Cumbria Scientist James loves the technical side of baking and his signature is ‘child-friendly horror’ style decoration. His loves anything autumnal, such as mixed spice, apples and caramel. Polish born Janusz describes his baking as 'colourful and camp' Janusz Age: 34 Occupation: Personal Assistant From: East Sussex Polish born Janusz describes his baking as 'colourful and camp'. He loves working Polish ingredients into British dishes. Rebs has recently started to play around with Middle Eastern ingredients Rebecca Age: 23 Occupation: Masters Student From: County Antrim Rebs has recently started to play around with Middle Eastern ingredients – in a nod to her boyfriend Jack’s Turkish family heritage. His passion for baking began when he was two, when his mum would give him her pastry trimmings to turn into little jam tarts Will Age: 45 Occupation: Former Charity Director From: London Will loves the technical side and is a fan of using yeast in his cooking - in more places than just bread! His passion for baking began when he was two, when his mum would give him her pastry trimmings to turn into little jam tarts. Abdul applies his precision thinking to the chemistry of baking and says Matcha is his favourite flavour Abdul Age: 29 Occupation: Electronics Engineer From: London Abdul applies his precision thinking to the chemistry of baking and says Matcha is his favourite flavour. A self-confessed space nerd, his interest in baking began when he and his graduate colleagues baked for each other to brighten up their daily coffee breaks. Advertisement All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility