The ultimate cosy autumn viewing, we were fully invested in the 2023 series of the Great British Bake Off. The show’s first ever deaf contestant, Tasha Stones, quickly became a fan favourite, after she impressed the judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. and was crowned Star Baker in Biscuit Week, thanks to her Japanese Katsu and Matcha illusion showstopper.
Not only was Tasha awarded the title of Star Baker for Biscuit Week, she also landed herself the infamous Hollywood handshake.
Tasha said of her win, 'It's the weirdest feeling because you put all this time and this energy, and at the end of the day, it's a cake or a biscuit... Something you eat, but it means so much. And, yeah, it's a really good feeling. I am so proud.'
She went on to win the honour of Star Baker the following week.
Why did Tasha leave Bake Off on Chocolate Week?
During Chocolate Week, Tasha had to withdraw from the show due to medical reasons. Filmed during a heatwave earlier in the year, Tasha was overwhelmed by the sweltering temperatures in the tent. A medic came over to assist her, telling her to breathe slowly before escorting her out of the tent. She was back the following episode for party week, here she impressed the judges with her picnic piece.
Who is Tasha Stones?
After initially being too scared to apply for the show, the then 27-year-old is among the cast of bakers in the iconic tent in the 14th series. The Participation Officer from Bristol was joined by her British Sign Language interpreter Daryl.
A role model for the deaf community, Tasha said it was emotional to see her British Sign Language interpreter Daryl introduced to the rest of the cast.
'It was a big moment when Noel introduced not only Alison, but also Daryl as part of the line-up,' she said. 'Seeing Daryl at the front and feeling fully part of the show was a special moment. I couldn’t have done it without him and without the dedication from the show ensuring I had the same access as the other bakers.'
And in a sweet turn of events, the rest of Tasha's Bake Off cast - including the hosts and judges - brushed up on their BSL ahead of filming.
Opening up about learning sign language in order to chat to the contestant, Prue Leith said, 'Paul was terrific and he learnt a lot. I just about managed to learn how to say "good luck" and "well done."'
Tasha has long been an advocate for the community, working at the National Deaf Children’s Society. Many have been googling whether the star was born deaf, but as of yet, she hasn't addressed this.
Her love of baking came from her family – with her one of her favourite childhood memories being licking sugar icing from the tops of the fairy cakes she she made with her mother and grandmother.
The star was encouraged to turn her baking into more than a hobby by teachers in school, bringing in sweet treats for her secondary school teachers and challenging herself with some more intricate breaks.
Away from the Bake Off tent, Tasha enjoys going to the theatre and travelling the world - which you can follow along with over on her Instagram.
The British public fell for Tasha straight away.
One tweeted, 'Great British Bake Off having a deaf contestant that has a cochlear implant, signs, and has a visible, on screen interpreter has truly made my day and made me feel so seen and represented. I'm rooting for Tasha all the way.'
Another added, ‘Well done to the GBBO for their inclusivity this season by having their first-ever deaf contestant. I love to see deaf people thriving in hearing spaces.’
BSL interpreter Daryl is also proving a hit - with viewers already pleading with him to teach the world how to sign 'soggy bottom.'
Speaking about the importance of seeing representation on screen, Rebecca Mansell, CEO of the British Deaf Association, said, 'Awareness is getting out there and I'm so proud, but we want more of this on mainstream TV.'
How did Tasha Stones do in The Great British Bake Off?
Sadly, after a great run on The Great British Bake Off, where she won Star Baker two weeks in a row, Tasha lost out on a place in the finals following a disappointing technical challenge. The judges were very impressed with her skills throughout the series, especially with her Medusa Showstopper in Bread Week and the Robin Cake Showstopper during Cake Week.
She has no hard feelings about finishing fourth though. 'It’s changed me. I can do so much more than I realised that I was capable of. It’s a special place. I am very lucky to be a part of it,' she said afterwards.
Where is Tasha now?
Since her stint on The Great British Bake Off, Tasha has fulfilled her childhood dream of being on Blue Peter, where she rustled up some strawberry cheesecake cookies and got a badge.
She has continued baking and sharing her delicious creations on Instagram, and kept in touch with her fellow bakers including winner Matty Edgell. Tasha appeared on food festivals and gone travelling - but more excitingly, she has got a hearing dog Digby.
'He’s a little wonder and is already my shadow. The most affectionate, clever and funny boy - I love him to bits,' she said. 'He’s already an absolute pro at reminding me when the kitchen timer goes off. I’ve not burned a single bake since he arrived.'
Charlotte Roberts is a news and entertainment writer at Grazia UK, covering everything celebrity, culture, and entertainment.