David Atherton saved all his adult life before finally picking up the keys to a place of his own this year (Picture: Channel 4)

Baking requires a fair amount of patience – and luckily it’s a trait that David Atherton has in spades.

Last year’s Great British Bake Off winner has needed to be patient when it comes to buying a property, saving all his adult life before finally picking up the keys to a place of his own this year.

David, the man the nation loved to watch on TV, tells Oliver Stallwood all about his new home, how baking kept him calm through the buying process and his furry friend who is moving in.

Tell us about how you bought your first home?

Actually, I’m buying my first home right now with my partner at the age of 37. Buying in London means you need to have a substantial deposit and I’ve worked most of my life in the charity sector so it is difficult to save.

Buying a home in the UK now usually means relying on inherited wealth and when you don’t have this the barrier to getting on the ladder is high.

How does it feel to be in the process now?

Buying a home in the UK is anxiety ridden. Once you’ve had your offer accepted but before you’ve exchanged there is the period of unknown. You don’t want to allow yourself to get too excited as you know it could still fall through.