Meet Abdul, Great British Bake Off 2022 contestant and electronics engineer
Here's everything you need to know about the aspiring baker.
It's The Great British Bake Off final on Channel 4 tonight (Tuesday 15th November), with the three remaining 2022 contestants descending on Welford Park for their last set of challenges.
While Janusz became the latest person to leave the Bake Off tent, Abdul is one of the culinary whizzes hoping to impress Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith in the final.
Last week saw Abdul win his first Star Baker of season 13, and he heads into the final feeling super confident as a result.
"I was high on imposter syndrome once I reached the semi finals. I was the only baker who hadn’t received any accolade (Star Baker or a handshake) and being amongst Sandro, Maxy, Janusz and Syabira – who didn’t only receive a Star Baker or a handshake but were also amazing and talented bakers, I felt like I didn’t belong in that crew, which is why I never thought of progressing and making it through," he said.
"My aim was to just give my absolute best and bring in the flavours I love to the tent, which eventually led me to get a Star Baker in week 9! As soon as that was announced it also meant I was in the finals - me? No way! There was a rush of emotions once that was announced and I remember tearing up later when it finally settled down."
He'll go head-to-head with Syabira and Sandro in the final round.
Here's everything you need to know about the 29-year-old electronics engineer.
Who is Abdul?
Age: 29
Job: Electronics engineer
From: London
Abdul is an electronics engineer from London. He was raised in Saudi Arabia by his Pakistani parents. His love for baking began when he and his graduate colleagues baked for each other to brighten up their coffee breaks. With a background in engineering and mathematics, Abdul applies his precision thinking to the chemistry of creating bakes, with matcha being one of his favourite flavours.
"Most of what I have learnt is either through books or youtube videos, my favourite author is James Morton. His books are stunning, they go in depth about the what, why and how of baking which is an essential for beginners; his recipes are quite basic but his explanations are out of this world!" He said of his baking inspirations.
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"A few YouTubers that I would recommend are John Kannel (Preppy Kitchen) and Jemma Wilson (Cupcake Jemma). Finally encouragement from friends or family asking me to make various bakes, which in turn pushes me to go out there and find some delicious bakes to make."
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What has Abdul said about signing up for Bake Off?
Asked if he thought he'd ever make it onto the Channel 4 show, Abdul said: "Absolutely and definitely I didn’t, not even a glimpse or a thought that I would make it through and actually be in the tent.
"There were multiple audition rounds and each time I progressed I thought this would be the furthest I’d go - and every single time I felt ecstatic and in complete shock of getting through."
When does The Great British Bake Off 2022 final start?
The Great British Bake Off 2022 final will air on Channel 4 on Tuesday 15th November at 8pm.
Season 13 started on Tuesday 13th September with Paul and Prue back to judge the bakes, and Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas offering some moral support to the bakers while getting up to their usual shenanigans.
Get to know some of the other season 13 GBBO contestants:
- Meet Will, Great British Bake Off 2022 contestant and DIY enthusiast
- Meet James, Great British Bake Off 2022 contestant and nuclear scientist
- Meet Kevin, Great British Bake Off 2022 contestant and music teacher
- Meet Sandro, Great British Bake Off 2022 contestant and nanny
- Meet Dawn, Great British Bake Off 2022 contestant and IT manager
- Meet Janusz, Great British Bake Off 2022 contestant and personal assistant
- Meet Maxy, Great British Bake Off 2022 contestant and architectural assistant
- Meet Rebs, Great British Bake Off 2022 contestant and student
- Meet Maisam, Great British Bake Off 2022 contestant and student
- Meet Syabira, Great British Bake Off 2021 contestant and avid gamer
- Meet Carole, Great British Bake Off 2022 contestant and supermarket cashier
The Great British Bake Off 2022 finals airs on Channel 4 on Tuesday 15th November at 8pm.
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