A 17-year-old Great British Bake Off contestant has said she is not ashamed of being a Christian as it is “such good news”.
In an interview for the Christian Today website, Martha Collison said it is “the most amazing thing” to be able to rely on God in difficult times.
Martha, who is the youngest contestant on this year’s show, commented: “I think that being a Christian is one of the main things that defines me as a person.
Supportive
“The church is a lovely place to grow up as it’s so supportive, and full of friends and family.”
She grew up in a Christian home, and her father is an elder at their church where she helps with the children’s work. Martha became a Christian when she was seven.
Responding to a question on whether she is especially conscious now of being open about her faith, she said: “I think there’s nothing to be ashamed of in having a faith, and especially being a Christian – it’s such good news – so I don’t think it would be right to keep it a secret.
Open
“It’s such a big part of my life that I couldn’t hide it and I wouldn’t want to. I’d rather be open about it”, she said.
During filming of the programme earlier this year, she was also taking her A Level exams in Maths, Chemistry and Food Technology.
“It was incredible and I’m so thankful, and even though it was sometimes stressful I got through it and had an amazing time”, she commented.
Charity
In the future, Martha is hoping to take a gap year abroad with a charity.
She is now through to week seven of the Great British Bake Off competition, which is broadcast on BBC One.