Former Strictly Come Dancing finalist and Great British Bake Off winner John Waite has revealed he was rushed to hospital after being run over by a car in a shocking incident that medical professionals warned 'could have been fatal'.
A Terrifying Night-Time Incident
Waite shared the details of the accident with his followers on Instagram on Wednesday, 7 January 2026. He explained that the collision had occurred the night before, describing how he was struck by a vehicle. "Last night I got run over (seriously)," he wrote. "I rolled up the bonnet damaging it and the windscreen, before splatting onto the road and crawling to the pavement."
He credited a stranger, whom he called an "angel of a human," for immediately coming to his aid by covering him with a coat and staying with him until an ambulance arrived.
Doctors' Startling Verdict on His Survival
Following extensive medical checks, Waite relayed the sobering assessment from his doctors. Their conclusion was that his considerable physical strength likely prevented a tragedy. "The doctors said 'thank god you're 16 stone of muscle because it could have been fatal'," the baker and dancer posted.
Drawing a life lesson from the event, Waite advised his followers to "build strong muscle and core strength" and cautioned against wearing dark clothing while crossing roads at night. He later clarified a point from his initial post, stating that his use of the word "speeding" was figurative, meant to convey the sudden and shocking nature of the impact, and that he did not know the driver's exact speed.
Recovery and a Return to Normality
Thankfully, Waite was able to reassure everyone about his condition. "I've been scanned and poked and prodded and I'm ok," he confirmed, characteristically adding, "Still gay though." The star, who lives in Leeds with his husband Paul Atkins, is now recovering from the ordeal.
John Waite first found fame by winning the third series of The Great British Bake Off in 2012. He later made television history in 2021 as part of Strictly Come Dancing's first male same-sex partnership with professional dancer Johannes Radebe, finishing as a runner-up in the competition.
