One of the bakers in this year's Great British Bake Off tent, joining the likes of Jasmine and Jessika, is Nataliia Richardson. She kicked off the series by winning star baker in her very first week, so she's definitely one to watch.
However, Nataliia (not to be confused with Natalia) is impressing audiences with more than just her baking skills. She has also opened up about her stammer – made all the more challenging because English is her second language – something that will no doubt help anyone watching from home who suffers with one too.
'Speaking on TV (especially in a second language) while baking under pressure can be tough,' she wrote on Instagram, 'but it's part of who I am, and I'm proud to be here showing that it doesn't hold me back. Thank you for all the love and encouragement already! It truly means the world.'
Who is Nataliia from Great British Bake Off?
Nataliia lives in east Yorkshire, but is originally from Ukraine where she was taught to bake by her grandmother. She still uses those recipes today and loves baking with flavours inspired by her roots including honey, poppy seeds and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
In her spare time, she loves painting, running and countryside walks with her Ukrainian rescue dog Aria.
How old is Nataliia?
Nataliia is 32 years old.
What does Nataliia do for work?
Nataliia studied economics and now works as an office assistant.
What has Nataliia said about going on Bake Off?
'My husband secretly sent off my application without telling me,' Nataliia said, 'and when he told me that the _Bake Off t_eam wanted to speak to me, I was – to put it mildly – shocked. We were at home, and it was the most unexpected phone call.'
What are Nataliia's baking strengths and weaknesses?
Her strengths include her 'attention to detail and love for flavour balance' and her skillset often lies with desserts and cakes.
As for her blind spots, Nataliia said: 'Working with yeasted dough. It has a life of its own, and I sometimes lack the patience to wait for it to rise just right. I'm still learning how to feel the dough, not just follow a recipe. But that's what makes baking so exciting – there's always room to grow.'
Is Nataliia in a relationship?
Yes, Nataliia moved to the UK with her husband Harry four years ago, just before the war broke out. Her family followed shortly after as refugees and they now all live in east Yorkshire with their three-year-old daughter, Francesca.
When is Great British Bake Off next on?
Bake Off returns at 8pm on Channel 4 every Tuesday.
Nikki Peach is a writer at Grazia UK, working across entertainment, TV and news. She has also written for the i, i-D and the New Statesman Media Group and covers all things pop culture for Grazia (treating high and lowbrow with equal respect).