Despite panicking over pitta breads, having a mango doughnut explosion, and pouring his heart over his showstopper, the research associate won at the very end. (Photo: Facebook Screengrab/ @greatbritishbakeoff)

Rahul Mandal was crowned the winner of the Great British Bake Off. The 30-year-old, who took up baking to make friends after moving to the UK from Kolkata aged 23, impressed Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith throughout the show with his 'East meets West' inspired bakes.

Despite panicking over pitta breads, having a mango doughnut explosion, and pouring his heart over his showstopper, the research associate won at the very end.

However, despite earning the most handshakes in the entire series and being crowned star baker in cake and bread week, it wasn't all plain sailing for Rahul.

Last week Mandal had found himself in hot water from fans who accused him of cheating in the semi-finals.

Fans noticed the baker may have been bending the roles, as he continued to decorate his creations twice, after hosts Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig called time on the challenges.

Despite the backlash, Rahul was applauded for his show-stopper, beating competitors Kim-Joy and Ruby Bhogal to the post. 

Notably, almost all previous owners of Great British Bake Off have gone on to score lucrative book deals, glamorous TV appearances and ambassadors for corporate giants.