Peter Sawkins, the Edinburgh-born baker who became the youngest male winner of The Great British Bake Off in 2020, has announced he has quit his full-time job at the University of Edinburgh to pursue baking and media work as a full-time career.
From University to Full-Time Baking
Sawkins, now 26, has worked for the University of Edinburgh since graduating in 2022 with a degree in Accounting and Finance. During the competition, he impressed judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith from the start, picking up Star Baker twice. Since appearing on the show, he has released two baking books, studied at pastry school, and worked with a number of brands while sharing his bakes with hundreds of thousands of followers online.
Instagram Announcement
Taking to Instagram to share the news with his 327,000 followers, Sawkins wrote: "I’m now a full-time (insert job title here). If you have any ideas what I can call my job, please let me know! My best option currently is 'Media Baker'. I had the most amazing 8 years @edinburghuniversity." He added: "This is where I got my degree and is also where I had a great time working for 3 years in @uoesport and @uoesportsunion. I count myself very blessed to have met so many incredible teammates, classmates, flatmates, colleagues, teachers and alumni here! I’ve been here not far off a third of my life, so it will be strange to go! #WeAreEdinburgh."
Sawkins also made clear he is open to new opportunities, writing: "Side note, I’m open to work! Hit us up if you want to collab and create some cool things together in food, events, presenting, recipes and all that good stuff!" He acknowledged that content may be sporadic initially, saying: "Thanks to you all for supporting the ride so far! I can’t promise immediate consistent content as my life will be a bit chaotic for the next month or so, but we will be trending in that direction soon. And lmk if you have any ideas for new things you’d like to see from me - I’ll have the time now!"
Support from Followers
The announcement was met with support from followers, including the University of Edinburgh's official Instagram account, which wrote: "Good luck and all the best in your future adventures, Peter! We know you'll smash it wherever you land." One comment read: "Congratulations and best wishes! I cannot wait to see what’s next for you," while another said: "Best of luck on the freelance journey!" A third added: "Congratulations! Been following your journey all the way from Alabama since your season. Your gluten free baking is next level, you deserve this!!!"
