HE is leading our hopes in one of the country's most popular contests.

Hampshire dad Enwezor Nzegwu is one of 12 contestants in this year’s Great British Bake Off.

The 39-year-old works as a business consultant at the University of Portsmouth by day but is a self-confessed ‘baking geek’ in his spare time.

And he stood out from 2,000 applicants looking to take part thanks to his macaroons, although he says his time on the show means he can now take on any challenge.

Enwezor said: “Being on Great British Bake Off has been the most amazing experience. I’ve learned so much and made the most fantastic friends. I couldn’t believe I was selected.

“I’d watched the programme and thought I knew what it involved, but it’s much more intense, more demanding. I didn’t think it would be so hard, but it has also been an incredible experience, I’ve just loved it.”

He is not allowed to reveal how long he lasted on the show but described the judging process by baking legends Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry as “tortuous”.

Enwezor, lives in Southsea with his wife Karen and four children aged two to seven.

The Great British Bake Off starts on BBC1 on August 6 with the final airing on October 8.