Champion cook 'inspired' by Ramsay

After winning the title, the 34-year-old south Londoner, who won praise from judges for having the "palate of an angel", said he could not wait to get back into a kitchen.

The former board director of a media firm quit his job while filming the show and now plans to open his own restaurant.

Baker recalled how, as a young university graduate, he became fired up by Ramsay on TV.

"I did not know many famous chefs ... he was so passionate about it and so talented and he was one of the celebrity chefs I first noticed.

"I bought all his books. He's gone from that to being a global superstar."

Asked if he would like to follow in Ramsay's footsteps and become a TV chef, Baker said: "My goal is to open a restaurant and for it to be well regarded.

"If anything more were to come, I would welcome that and relish it.

"Successful TV chefs have been well respected before making that move. I need that foundation to be a credible chef."

Baker saw off competition from Tim Kinnaird and Alex Rushmer as he battled through the gruelling final stages, describing his competitors as "amazing".

Challenges included travelling to the Rajasthan desert in India and cooking for a Maharajah and his family in a palace atop the hills of Jodhpur.

The contestants also had to run their own restaurant for paying customers with their own food on the menu – and with judge John Torode manning the pass.

They also had to undertake what was billed as the BBC1 show's "greatest ever challenge" - cooking for revered chef Alain Ducasse and five of his proteges, who hold an incredible 30 Michelin stars between them.

The final task was to prepare a three course meal for Torode and fellow judge Gregg Wallace.

Baker, who was born in Mexico, lived with his parents in India before moving to the UK.