'I applied to Bake Off on a drunken New Year's Eve'

Leighton said he applied for The Great British Bake Off on a "drunken New Year's Eve"

A software delivery manager said he applied for The Great British Bake Off on a "drunken New Year's Eve".

Leighton, originally from Swansea but now lives in Surrey with his Californian partner, Eric, is one of 12 contestants who will compete in this year's series of the hit baking show.

The 59-year-old said he liked to play with traditional Welsh, British and American flavours during his bakes.

He said his favourite was Welsh cakes with peanut butter and Victoria Sponge, with key lime pie filling.

"The Americans love the Welsh cakes," he told BBC Radio Surrey.

Leighton is one of 12 contestants who will compete in The Great British Bake Off

The contestant said he had always done things his own way, ignoring anyone that told him, "Boys don't bake".

He said he never thought he was good enough to get a slot on the show after years of his friends and family encouraging him to apply.

"I have never seen so many talented bakers", he said.

He said one of the best things about appearing on the show was learning from the "amazingly talented people".

"Wait until you see it, you'll be amazed," he added.

The first episode will air on Channel 4 on 2 September.

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