'We come for the glitter, but instead we get the grit, in stories told with insight, tenderness and joy.' - Russell T Davies With a foreword by Steph McGovern 'I never thought I'd write a memoir. I never thought I'd do a lot of the things I have done in my thirty-four years, but life has a wonderful way of surprising us.' Well-known as the winner of the third series of The Great British Bake Off and runner up of Strictly Come Dancing with his same-sex dance partner Johannes Radebe, John Whaite's personal story is a complicated narrative of contradictions, highs and lows, told with tenderness, joy, insight and wit, but also unflinching honesty. A shy little boy from rural Lancashire, who was sacred to sleep alone and danced a little 'too gay' at family weddings, he was also an unruly teen who shaved a checkerboard pattern into his hair and refused to conform. From childhood his life has revolved around food - his parents owned a fish and chip shop where John worked in the back peeling potatoes - but for long periods he has been haunted by bulimia and body dysmorphia and not a day goes by when he doesn't worry about what or how much he eats. He achieved TV fame but then seemingly wilfully chose to self-destruct, before finding the strength to pull back when he woke up in a car with half a kebab at his feet and chilli sauce on his shoes. Through it all, his essential optimism has meant that he has chosen to take every step back as a chance to reassess and begin again, finally arriving at the realisation that external validation and fulfilment is transient - a distraction from the sometimes painful pilgrimage we make as we gain wisdom from our experiences.

'John's pan-tastic!' Daily Mail John Whaite celebrates simple, stunning recipes that can be prepared and cooked on the stove in under 45 minutes. Speedy food can't be complicated - just a flash in the pan - so no trickery, just delicious but achievable recipes. Pans and a stove are all you need to feed you, your friends and family convenience food, with class. The Bake Off winner, who runs his own cookery school, show his innovative style, with inspirational combinations - from Marmalade Brulee French Toast and Bloody Mary Prawn Tacos to Saag Halloumi and Apricot, Whisky & Honey Cheesecake. The Frying Pan Lasagne is sure to become a classic!