Winner Georgie on reaction after Bake off ADHD reveal

The Great British Bake Off winner has said the reaction she received after speaking about having ADHD has been “incredible”.

Georgie Grasso, 34, from Carmarthenshire, was crowned the winner on Tuesday night’s show.

Georgie, the first Welsh winner in the show’s history, said she was “completely overwhelmed” and was “still on a high”.

The paediatric nurse said people who also have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) have contacted her to say they “felt seen”.

“It is still one of those topics that people don’t know about. Especially with adult women because for a lot of us it goes undiagnosed for so long and it does completely take over your life,” she told BBC Radio 5 Live.

The mum-of-three opened up about her symptoms on the show and how it affected her while going through the challenges.

“For me, it just helped me to really focus, it got me a bit in the semi finals because I couldn’t read the instructions.

“That’s what I was struggling with and I thought I was done.

“But in the final… I had to make a plan and just stick to it, and that’s why with the technical challenge and the showstopper I just flew through it,” she added.

The NHS describes ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) as a condition that affects people’s behaviour, and they “can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse”.

Its symptoms can be noticed young, and most cases are diagnosed in children aged under 12.

However, the NHS says sometimes it is diagnosed in adults, although symptoms may improve as people get older, and there can be extra problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders.

Adults are advised to speak to a GP if they think they have ADHD and have not been diagnosed. Concerns about children should be discussed with their teacher, school or GP if their behaviour is thought to be different to others of their age.

In children the condition can be managed with educational support, advice for parents, and possibly medicine.

In adults, the NHS says medicine is often the first treatment offered, and psychological therapy like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help.

The final, between contestants Christiaan, Dylan and Georgie, saw them tasked with making scones, creating a quintessential afternoon tea and constructing a hanging tiered celebration cake.

Georgie said she didn’t expect to win as the competition was so tight.

“I don’t know what happened, I think we were practising so much and we were all exhausted.

“I had such a tough week the week before, and I thought I’m not having another week of being stress.

“I’m just going to enjoy it, and it all just fell into place,” she added.

During Tuesday’s final, Georgie said her win meant everything, having always doubted herself.

“I have got this and that wrong with me and think I can’t do it, and you make excuses.

“For once I thought I am just going to go for it and put my everything into it. Working all hours and I sacrificed time with the kids and the family.”

She was, she said, “just so proud of myself”.

“My heart is racing… and I am already feeling sad that I am not coming back here [to the show] and not seeing everyone,” she said.

“The people I have met are going to be best friends for life. This is the best thing I have ever done.”