Ruth Davidson triumphs in charity edition of Great British Bake Off

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has been crowned the winner of a special charity edition of baking show The Great British Bake Off, beating three other celebrities in the process.

The cast of the Bake Off Special. Picture: Channel 4

The Edinburgh Central MSP was crowned the star baker of the week by regular series judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood.

The Channel 4 Show, which ordinarily seeks to crown the best amateur baker in the country, is showing four celebrity special editions as part of their ‘Stand Up to Cancer’ programme, which raises awareness and funds to help tackle the disease.

Ms Davidson, who said she was inspired to take part in the show by the death of her partner’s mother, was reckoned the best baker after three challenges.

She bested singer Ella Eyre, comedian Tim Minchin, and Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing to win a special apron, after impressing with in all three rounds.

Her chocolate orange loaf had Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood declaring her an early favourite, before she was named the best at the technical challenge, which saw the celebrities making tiramisu biscuits.

The final ‘showstopper’ challenge saw the Tory leader in Scotland pull out all the stops to produce a meringue tower in the colours of the Irish flag in honour of her partner Jen, who is from Wexford.

Ms Davidson joins dancer Perry Kiely and comedian Harry Hill as inaugural star bakers on the special celebrity episodes.