Rainham lorry driver to appear on Bake Off tonight

Phil Thorne started to take baking seriously six years ago (credit: Channel 4)

A lorry driver who lives in Rainham will be on television tonight, as the new series of The Great British Bake Off hits our screens.

Phil Thorne has applied to be on the show for the last three years and will finally be stepping into the famous tent.

The 56-year-old was born in Barking but now lives with his wife and two daughters in the south of Havering.

Phil was introduced to baking bread while at school, but only began baking seriously around six years ago.

Phil, top left, with the other bakers and the show’s host and judges (credit: Channel 4)

He bakes four or five times a week, frequently making focaccia, granary bread and brioche.

The 56-year-old also enjoys the challenge of making various types of pastry including hot-water crust, puff and choux.

Phil says he is passionate about motorbikes and always turns up for biking meetings with bakes.

Phil will be on our screens this evening (credit: Channel 4)

The Great British Bake Off is on Channel 4, tonight at 8pm.