BOLTON accountant Makbul Patel will make his first appearance on Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off tonight.

Speaking before the show, the 51-year-old, who works for Bolton at Home housing group, described seeing the famous tent for the first time as “thrilling”.

He said: “To actually go into it was like stepping into another world. My fondest memory of week one would be getting together as a group and how we all clicked.

“At last getting to meet all the people on the Bake Off team and the amazing support and friendship they gave me.

“I was most looking forward to meeting the bakers and the crew, judges and presenters. They didn’t disappoint, they were a magnificent bunch of people.”

Production of the 11th series was initially delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic, but filming on the popular show finished near the end of August.

Contestants, presenters and others working on the programme stayed in a hotel throughout the duration of filming.

Little Britain comedian Matt Lucas has also joined the show this year to replace Sandi Toksvig as co-host alongside Noel Fielding.

Makbul said the situation involving filming during the pandemic brought contestants and crew together.

He said: “I would get homesick when only going to the shops during lockdown, so for me the biggest challenge was being in confinement when we entered the bubble. But it was totally amazing to be part of it.

“Matt was a terrific support. He had a calming influence. He kept the kitchen lively by bursting into song!

“Noel is zany, irreverent and intelligent. He lifted our spirits whenever he was around.”

A sculptor, a pantomime producer and a university student are among the 12 amateur bakers taking part in this year’s series.

Talking about wanting to impress Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, Makbul added: “My lemon drizzle cake has a certain status.”

To see how Makbul gets on, tune in to Channel 4 at 8.15pm tonight.