'Bake Off' winner Giuseppe Dell'Anno thanks co-stars after 'draining, exciting experience'

The Great British Bake Off 2021 winner Giuseppe Dell'Anno has thanked his co-stars for their support and friendship, as previous series contestants congratulated him.

Dell'Anno was crowned the winner in Tuesday's final after a nail-biting three challenges that saw him go up against Chigs Parmar and Crystelle Pereira in making a Mad Hatter-themed afternoon tea.

Read more: All the previous Bake Off winners

At the end of he episode, the 45-year-old Italian who had been living in Bristol revealed that he had moved back to Milan and was working on a family recipe book with his father.

Posting a photo of himself on Instagram with the winner's trophy, Dell'Anno wrote: "You think you know what you’re getting yourself into when you sign up… it’s a physically, psychologically and emotionally draining experience. But also exciting and exhilarating.

"And I could have never done it without the support of my wife, my fellow bakers and the constant support from the production team!

"Thank you all out there, for reaching out and showering me with love! I will be forever grateful!"

Posting on Instagram after the final, Dell'Anno's co-star Pereira wrote about him: "He is the most humble, naturally talented, hilarious and genuine gentleman out there. I’ve felt so honoured and blessed to have baked alongside him for 10 weeks.

"His bench was behind mine in week 1, and I knew straight away that he was a shining star, and he continued to showcase his incredible skills, flair and true passion for baking right until the very end. I could not be happier or more PROUD to call Giuseppe our winner. I love you so so much, bravo."

Many former stars of the show and its famous fans offered their congratulations to the series 12 winner.

Rahul Mandal, who won the 2018 series and recently met Dell'Anno, commented on his post: "Well done Sir!! You are an amazing baker and an incredible friend! Loved meeting you last weekend, looking forward to meet you soon!! Congratulations!"

Read more: Bake Off's biggest controversies over the years

Another 2018 finalist, Kim Joy, wrote: "CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Very well deserved and you’re such a skilled baker."

Dad-of-three Dell'Anno had spoken emotionally during the final about his father's ill health and dedicated his win to his baking role model who he said had created cakes worthy of a showstopper challenge.

He said: "The fact that everything I've done comes from his heritage, it's going to be the best thank you note I could possibly send him.

"He's going through a very hard time healthwise so I think this is going to be a boost.

"It's not often in life I can say that I'm proud of what I've done, but in this case, I'm really proud."

Alice Fevronia, who reached the final in 2019, commented: "Absolutely incredible Giuseppe. Can’t wait to buy yours and your dads book."

Bake Off presenter Noel Fielding's partner Lliana Bird wrote: "You were such a pleasure to watch and meet! Only regret not finding a way to scran more of your yummy bakes. Biggest congrats to such a worthy winner x x"

Laura Adlington, a 2020 finalist, wrote: "Congratulations lovely! You did yourself proud. So deserved!! Good luck with everything that happens next xx"

median Sarah Millican commented: "Massive congrats. So well deserved. Can’t wait to see what you do next."

Judge Paul Hollywood claimed to have predicted the win from day one, saying at the end of the final: "From the first time I walked into the tent and saw his mini rolls, I went, that looks like our winner."nto the tent and saw his mini rolls, I went, that looks like our winner."

Watch: Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith decide who is more intimidating