A Great British Bake Off winner has announced the birth of his first child in a heartfelt post on social media and says it “tops” holding the iconic Channel 4 trophy.

Rahul Mandal who won Bake Off in 2018 also revealed his wife Shreya’s pregnancy "journey" had made them “stronger” as a couple.

Sharing on Instagram alongside a picture of the new family of three to his 474k followers, Rahul wrote: “There is something we want to share. You might have read it in today's @thetimes.

“If there is anything that can ever top the experience of holding @britishbakeoff trophy, this is it.

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“Everyone, let me introduce you to our daughter, Debeshi Mandal, born on 10th December 2024.

“We are back from the hospital today. Please send your blessings to Debeshi.

“Now, to the reality of looking after a baby, that neither of us have much experience of. But we will keep trying to do our best, as we did during the pregnancy.

“Thousands of miles away from our family the past 9 months was a journey that brought us closer and made us stronger as a couple. Hopefully, we will be good parents, so please, any advice, suggestions, and support is welcome.

“We also had to do tonnes of laundry to sort out. Our washing machine decided to take a break and enjoy our parenthood with us. Hopefully, it will be sorted soon.”

He added: “Just wanted to thank the maternity team in Rotherham Hospital and the amazing team in Greenoaks for supporting us during this amazing journey.

“Have a great weekend from Rahul, Shreya, and Deveshi.

“P.S: Shreya wanted to add that she was exhausted after the birth. Hence, she looked tired in the photo.”

Many fellow Bake Off stars congratulated Rahul and Shreya, as Manon Lagrève commented: “The most wonderful news!!!!!!”

This year’s GBBO winner Georgie Grasso replied: “Massive congratulations!!”

Did you watch the 2018 series of Bake Off?Did you watch the 2018 series of Bake Off? (Image: Yui Mok/PA) Host Noel Fielding wrote: “Congratulations ! This is amazing. So much love to you both can’t wait to meet baby Debeshi x”

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Strictly Come Dancing favourite and baker John Whaite said: “My darling humongous congratulations to you, I wish your daughter a life of peace and firm identity xx”

Meanwhile, 2024 contestant Nelly responded: "Aww congratulations, what amazing news is that.”

Loose Women star Ruth Langsford put: “Wonderful news! Congratulations and welcome to the world Debeshi x x”