Nancy Birtwhistle is a Sunday Times bestselling author, eco-lifestyle advocate, and the winner of the BBC’s The Great British Bake Off Series 5 in 2014. She’s also the reason I make my own cleaning products. So listen to her on glass containers below! And then follow her on Facebook.
A retired doctor’s office manager of 36 years, she took up baking seriously post-retirement, earning a master’s degree in business administration along the way.
Her innovative baking techniques, like using a drainpipe for a showstopper, led to her victory at age 60, making her the oldest Bake Off winner.
Now living in Barton-upon-Humber, Lincolnshire, with her husband Tim, Nancy is a grandmother of eight, teaching them her baking skills. Since Bake Off, she’s become a social media sensation, sharing eco-friendly recipes, gardening tips, and sustainable cleaning hacks, inspired by her commitment to a greener planet for her ten grandchildren.
Her books, including Clean & Green, Green Living Made Easy, and The Green Budget Guide, blend baking with practical, planet-friendly advice.
A passionate gardener, she grows her own produce and cares for rescue hens. Nancy frequently appears on BBC Morning Live, demonstrating her tips, and gives talks at food festivals, captivating audiences with her energy and knowledge.