Baking fans have been glued to their televisions over the past few weeks to watch the rising tension of the Great British Bake Off -–and one contestant happens to be from Huntingdonshire.

Around 9.1 million viewers tuned in for pie week last Wednesday (September 3), where ex-Kimbolton School pupil Kate Henry was crowned star baker.

The 42-year-old businesswoman, who used to live in Stonely, wowed judges with one of her favourite treats – custard tarts with an addition of rhubarb.

Now living in Brighton with her five-year-old daughter, Kate was described as a “bubbly and confident” girl when she attended the school between 1983-87.

Kimbolton School head of food and nutrition Clare Bennett, who taught Kate, said she could not recall any early signs of culinary prowess.

“She was a fun person when she was at school. Really bubbly and confident and I like how she just gets on with it on the show. She was always like that.

“She had lots of friends at school and was just good fun.

“All the staff are watching it and the whole school is behind her. It’s got all the children really interested in it.”

Leaving school, Kate trained as an actress and performed on stage for a couple of years before working in advertising and design agencies.

She later started her own upholstery company, Treacle Furniture, which she runs from home, breathing new life into old furniture.