Nikki, 50, who goes by the username ‘nikkibakesmelaugh’ online, now lives in London and works as an advertising post-producer at Final Cut.
She has been announced as one of the contestants in series 17 of the Channel 4 baking competition.
Nikki from The Great British Bake Off (Image: BBC/GBBO)
While baking fans across the country will get to know her for her colourful creations, Basingstoke residents may recognise Nikki for a very different reason.
According to her Bake Off profile, Nikki was a podium dancer at Basingstoke’s former Ziggy’s Night Club at the Altis Leisure Centre in Worting during the 1990s.
She still enjoys dancing and regularly visits R&B clubs with her cousins.
Nikki first began baking with her mother when she was seven years old and says it has remained a form of therapy throughout her life.
Her baking style reflects her outgoing personality, with music playing a key role in her kitchen.
She listens to nostalgic R&B when making tried-and-tested recipes, while classical music helps create the calm atmosphere she needs to experiment with new ideas.
The Londoner describes herself as happiest when surrounded by family and friends and loves sharing her bakes with others.
She has been with her partner, Tom, for 22 years and the couple have a 16-year-old daughter, Ava.
Away from baking, Nikki enjoys theatre trips, family walks and recently completed a 100-mile challenge to raise money for breast cancer charities.
Bake Off returns with 12 amateur bakers competing for the chance to be crowned Britain’s best home baker, with hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding welcoming contestants into the famous tent.