Nancy Birtwhistle was delighted to be crowned "star baker" in the first episode of BBC One's The Great British Bake Off.
Nancy, 60, impressed judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood in the first episode of the popular programme.
Watching with her friends and family at her home in Barton, there were cheers of joy when, out of the 12 amateur bakers, Nancy scooped "star baker".
She said: "I was delighted to be crowned star baker in the first show. I was not expecting it at all.
"When I looked at everyone's cakes, I thought they all looked pretty good."
The show on Wednesday saw Nancy earn first place for her cherry cake as part of the programme's first technical challenge.
Nancy's skills were also put to the test when she had to make a Swiss roll as part of the show's signature challenge.
She said: "I had to make my Swiss roll twice, because the first one was undercooked.
"They said I seemed very calm about this.
"The one they showed on television was my second Swiss roll.
"I was a bit nervy, of course I was."
The grandmother-of-eight also impressed judges with her cake guillotine, which she took with her to the show to ensure her 36 mini cakes were all the same size for another challenge.
Nancy said: "My husband actually made that for me and it has proved to be quite a hit."
Nancy discovered a passion for baking when she retired seven years ago.
The former GP practice manager has described entering the competition as one of the best things she has done in her life.
"It is the best thing I've ever done," she said. "It was refreshing being among lots of young people and there was a lot of laughter.
"It is so tense and difficult, but great fun. Everyone involved is brilliant."
Nancy also admits that meeting judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood was a daunting prospect at first.
She said: "They walked into the tent after we had started baking and came round, chatting to us about the bakes.
"When they came to me I was so nervy. The nerves seemed to get everybody, though.
"Mary was lovely and is just what you see on the TV. She was so helpful, but so was Paul.
"There is this tough persona he has on camera, but he was really nice."
The next episode of The Great British Bake Off will air on BBC One on Wednesday at 8pm.
