Bake Off contestant hoping to 'prove' herself

Illyin Morrison said it was a "massive thing" to be amongst the contestants who have made it into the Great British Bake Off tent

A Norfolk baker is hoping to "prove something" to herself as she steps foot inside the Great British Bake Off tent for this year's show.

While she described the experience as "surreal", Illiyin Morrison, 31, a birth trauma specialist midwife, said her bakes were inspired by ingredients and flavours of many different cuisines - including Middle Eastern ingredients.

Ms Morrison will join 11 other contestants in the famous marquee to have their bakes judged by Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.

She said: "More than anything, I'm in this tent, I'm no longer watching it, which is quite exciting."

"It's quite bizarre," she said.

"In my house I have every surface available to me and I can make all the mess I like.

"I have one bench there and one fridge. You have to be a little more organised. I really got into it and then I would suddenly remember this is being filmed."

Ms Morrison became the first contestant to receive a coveted handshake from Paul Hollywood, with the judge telling her: "Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful cinnamon cake."

Illiyin Morrison will join 11 other contestants as they face challenging bakes to be judged by Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith

However, the mum-of-two said having her bakes judged was an "interesting" experience, as everyone has different tastes.

"With this it's like there's a lot riding on it, I hope you love it... you have to trust you have tried and tested it and hopefully it will be received well."

Filmed within the grounds of Welford Park in Berkshire, series 15 will air on Channel 4 on Tuesday at 20:00 BST.

Amongst the contestants are Dylan, 20, from Buckinghamshire and Andy, 44, from Essex.

Ms Morrison added: "Like most people I wanted to prove something to myself that I could do it and getting into that tent is an achievement in itself.

"For all of my fellow contestants it is a massive thing to even be in the final 12."