Former Whanganui man Clayton Barnett's upcoming appearance on The Great Kiwi Bake Off is the result of years of family baking.
"Baking runs in the blood, my grandma baked, my mum bakes, I bake and my daughter is already picking up the spatula," Barnett said.
"I've learnt a lot from my mum and want to do her and the family and friends in Whanganui proud."
The Great Kiwi Bake Off, based on the popular British TV show, challenges 12 amateur bakers to weekly bake-offs, each testing a different baking technique which increases in difficulty.
Barnett, 39, grew up in Whanganui East, attending Whanganui East Primary School until his family moved to Palmerston North. Despite the move, Barnett still calls Whanganui home.
"I've got young cousins there and it's just such a nice place to raise a family. It's great to come home and take my daughter to the best playground in New Zealand, Kai Iwi and Castlecliff beach, and one day, I will take her on a Whanganui River canoe trip.
"It's been great seeing the town change over the years. I love going to the farmers market and seeing what's on offer on the amazing baking tables!"
Clayton Barnett hopes his upbringing comes through in his baking. Photo / Supplied
Barnett said he had always been a fan of the show and to take part was one of the best experiences of his life.
"We have a real talented and crack-up cast from around New Zealand. Plus, all the famous baking innuendo is alive and well, I definitely put my foot in my mouth more than once.
"There's no 'I'm not here to make friends, I'm here to win' type of people, everyone just helps each other out and bakes for the sheer love of it."
The hosts and judges for The Great NZ Bake Off: Sue Fleischl, Madeleine Sami, Hayley Sproull and Dean Brettschneider. Photo / Supplied
The show wasn't Clayton's first experience baking in front of camera as he has more than a dozen cooking videos titled "Clayton Bakes" on YouTube. Recipes range from caramel slices and banana pancakes to raspberry lamingtons and brandy snaps.
Barnett said he hoped to show his quirky personality and hometown flavour in his baking.
"Whanganui fans should keep an eye out in the first episode, as they should recognise the inspiration behind one of my bakes. It was a favourite of mine as a child and now my daughter loves it too."
Hosted by comedians Madeleine Sami and Hayley Sproull, and judged by award-winning baker Dean Brettschneider and renowned chef Sue Fleischl, the show debuts on October 16 on TV2.
