HULL's Nancy Birtwhistle has won the Great British Bake Off on BBC One.
Nancy, 60, emerged as the winner after odds-on favourite Richard Burr and fellow finalist Luis Troyano appeared to crumble under the pressure in the final programme watched by millions across the country.
The grandmother-of-eight from east Hull, who now lives in Barton, kept her nerve to be be crowned in the coveted competition judged by Mary Berry and Richard Hollywood.
Nancy said: "I'm speechless I just can't believe it."
Even though filming of the popular series finished in June, Nancy can now expect a surge in celebrity attention as her baking skills are demanded across the UK and abroad.
The contestants were all sworn to secrecy, having to wait months for the conclusion to be aired last night.
But Nancy started to emerge as a winner as the final progressed. Her first bake, the signature challenge, was creating viennoiseries. Nancy received a good reception from the judges for her almond and raspberry croissants and lemon and apple kites.
In the technical challenge she was placed first for baking a dozen scones, a dozen Victoria sandwiches and a dozen tarte au citrons.
Luis and Richard both struggled with Richard's tartes curdling.
In the final 'showstopper' round Nancy kept her cool to produce a stunning windmill cake, despite a last minute scare when one of her sails fell off.
Builder Richard's cake was judged first and well received by the judges although Nancy remained ahead with her design being described as 'first-class' and 'beautiful'. Graphic artist Luis's cake, featuring a coal mine wheel, was praised for its 'gorgeous' design and flavours.
Nancy was then declared the overall winner with Mary and Paul saying they were in 'complete agreement' over the winner.
After having children, Nancy returned to education and completed a masters degree in business administration. She also once competed with her pet dog at Crufts.
Husband Tim said: "She's focused on whatever she does. If she's determined to do it, she will."
Last week Nancy told how she was grilled by psychotherapists to prepare her for life in the national spotlight.
In an interview with the Mail, she said BBC bosses went to great lengths to look after the welfare of its contestants who are enjoying almost celebrity status.
Nancy, who left her east Hull and Hessle roots for Barton in 1999, revealed all contestants were carefully vetted, with their characters explored to ensure they did not crack under the pressure or create headlines in the tabloids.
She said: "At the start, we all saw a psychotherapist. They wanted to know if we could handle the pressure that's involved.
"You were not allowed any cooking qualifications. You had to be an absolute amateur.
Nancy also visited her beloved Hull City's Cottingham training ground last week and joked that her fellow contestants often poked fun at her broad Hull accent.She said of her Great British Bake Off appearance: "It was the best thing I have ever done."