Great British Bake Off’s Lizzie reveals she has ADHD and dyslexia

The 28-year-old car production operative, is vying to win the much-loved baking show as one of 12 new contenders for the GBBO 2021 title.

She has taken to social media to celebrate national dyslexia week which runs until 10 October. This month is also attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) awareness month.

Lizzie said the GBBO team printed off information for challenges that was spaced out to help her and said the other bakers were “so kind” in helping her work out percentages for bread ingredients.

Lizzie is pictured on her Instagram page with the latest GBBO cookbook The Great British Bake Off: A Bake for all Seasons featuring judges recipes and favourites from the 2021 bakers, including Lizzie.

“This photo was taken in a seat I used to sit in for four hours a week in a dyslexic unit I attended from about seven to 18. Neurodiversity affects around one in seven people in the UK.

“For anyone to see themselves in a book is surreal, but for me it feels super odd. I am severely dyslexic and on the ADHD spectrum. I don’t read books, so having recipes I came up with in a book is mind blowing.

“Today until the 10th of October is national dyslexia week. And October is is ADHD awareness month. I definitely think it’s something that should be celebrated.”

Reaction to Lizzie’s news

Val Stones, who was a contestant on GBBO in 2016, replied to Lizzie’s message by saying she is also dyslexic and the GBBO team also printed out her technical challenges with double spacing.

On learning the other bakers had helped Lizzie, Val responded: “That’s what Bake Off is about caring for each other and friendships.”

Lizzie’s sprout and chestnut tarts with smoked bacon lardons and mozzarella, are in the new cookbook.

She says in the book: “I created this recipe as an alternative to bubble and squeak for the leftover veggies after a roast.

“Now they are my Brussels sprouts go-to.”

The other 2021 bakers also took to Instagram to praise and support Lizzie and thank her for raising awareness.

Celebrities with dyslexia include actors Tom Cruise and Kiera Knightly, film director Steven Spielberg who was diagnosed in his 60s. Singer and actor Justin Timberlake was diagnosed with ADHD as a child.

Reaction from The Brain Charity

The Brain Charity has its headquarters in Liverpool city centre and supports people with all forms of neurological conditions.

CEO Nanette Mellor said: “It is so lovely to see Lizzie using her baking skills to champion ADHD and dyslexia.

“The world is a better place when people who are neurodiverse have the opportunity to share their unique talents and creativity.”

What is ADHD?

According to the NHS website, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people’s behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse .

Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as when they start school.

Most cases are diagnosed when children are six to 12 years old.

The symptoms of ADHD usually improve with age, but many adults who were diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems.

People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling.

It’s a specific learning difficulty, which means it causes problems with certain abilities used for learning, such as reading and writing.

Unlike a learning disability, intelligence isn’t affected.

It’s estimated up to 1 in every 10 people in the UK has some degree of dyslexia.

Dyslexia is a lifelong problem that can present challenges on a daily basis, but support is available to improve reading and writing skills and help those with the problem be successful at school and work.

Series 12 of GBBO 2021 is aired on Tuesdays 20:00 on Channel 4.