MEDIA RELEASE: Tuesday December 13, 2016

Olivia McMahon wins THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BAKE OFF 2016

Applications for season 3 now open

Olivia McMahon has risen to the occasion to be crowned Australia’s Best Amateur Baker after winning over judges Maggie Beer and Matt Moran in tonight’s final episode of THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BAKE OFF.

The 37-year-old waitress from Brisbane proved too strong for her competition, pulling out all stops in the final Showstopper challenge when she baked an extravagant, three-tiered pina colada cake flavoured with lime, pineapple and raspberry.

She beat Monica Cavallaro, 44 from , who created an ode to Italy with a masterpiece featuring three different layers, each representing a different region of Italy; and Antonio Marcora, 17 also from Sydney, who whipped up a brownie extravaganza featuring three different flavours of ganache.

After her win, Olivia said: “I can’t believe I’ve won, especially when I was up against such stiff competition from Antonio and Monica. My goal when I started was just to make it past week one, so to win is an absolute dream come true.

“The whole experience has been amazing, and I have learnt so much, not only from Matt and Maggie, but from all the bakers so I’m looking forward to putting these new skills to use. Since filming ended I have set up my own cake making business, Olivia’s Sweet Nothings, so I plan on building that up, and am also hoping to travel to Paris to study all things chocolate,” she said.

As well as earning the title of Australia’s Best Amateur Baker, Olivia’s Custard Kisses recipe will be featured in delicious. magazine’s March 2017 issue.

Hosted by comedians Claire Hooper and Mel Buttle, the second season of THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BAKE OFF has been another huge success for Lifestyle FOOD, breaking further viewing records, while Maggie Beer was awarded the AACTA Subscription Television Award for Best Female Presenter at Monday’s 6th AACTA Awards Industry Luncheon.

Foxtel is now looking for a new batch of bakers to take part in the third series. If you’re a Star Baker in the making, head to www.lifestyle.com.au/apply for details. On your marks… get set… APPLY!

THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BAKE OFF is a FremantleMedia Australia production for Foxtel based on a format created by Love Productions, distributed by BBC Worldwide and broadcast by the BBC in the United Kingdom.

For further information: Brooke Cashell – Foxtel Publicity P: +61 2 9813 7397 / M: +61 422 729 721 E: [email protected]