Old Elizabethan Richard is runner-up in final of The Great British Bake Off

Former QE pupil Richard Burr was a runner-up after reaching the final of the BBC’s The Great British Bake Off.

Richard (OE 1987-1994) impressed the judges once again, with celebrity chef and baker Paul Hollywood praising the “unbelievable” flavours of his final creation – a spectacular pièce montée cake modelled on a windmill. This final ‘bake’ was required to contain elements of cake, biscuit and choux pastry, and took inspiration from Mill Hill, the area of north London that Richard and his family call home.

Only three of the original 12 contestants reached the final. Richard was the front-runner during the latter stages of the competition, having been named ‘star baker’ an unprecedented five times.

In the end, however, first prize went to retired GP surgery manager Nancy Birtwhistle. Judge Mary Berry praised her “quiet determination”, while Paul Hollywood said of her: “Everything joined together for the final.”

Speaking after the result was announced, Richard, 38, said: “I think the greatest lesson I have taken out is [that] if you want to do something, just crack on and do it: if you don’t just open the door, you will never find out.”