Briony May Williams, a former contestant on The Great British Bake Off and now a television presenter, has described her nearly three-year journey of sobriety as "glorious." Williams, who reached the semi-finals of the popular baking competition in 2018, decided to make significant life changes and go alcohol-free following a hospital visit after her 39th birthday in late 2023.
"Going sober - it's glorious. It's not always easy but it's always worth it and I feel much more able to cope with what life throws at me," Williams stated. She noted that reaching the milestone of 1000 days alcohol-free at the end of July felt like a "massive achievement" and represented a significant "mind shift" that has now become a normal part of her life.
Since her time on Bake Off, Williams has developed a career in television, presenting for BBC One's Morning Live and Escape To The Country, and Channel 4's Food Unwrapped. She clarified that she was never clinically addicted to alcohol but acknowledged enjoying social drinking. The decision to stop came when she realized alcohol was not contributing positively to her life.
Williams described facing periods of vulnerability, particularly around the Christmas and New Year holidays, where alcohol might have been a go-to. However, she now finds comfort in alternative activities, such as having a cup of tea and spending time with her daughter. "The thought of going back to it fills me with dread. Now, I have a cup of tea and give my daughter a cuddle. I'm OK without it now - I don't think I'll ever go back," she said.
Despite being several years removed from her appearance on the show, Williams remains a dedicated fan. She even has a Great British Bake Off-themed tattoo on her ribs, featuring a piping bag, whisk, and rolling pin, which she got with fellow contestants from her series. "It was such an amazing part of my life, it's completely changed my life in so many wonderful ways," she reflected.
The upcoming 17th series of The Great British Bake Off is set to premiere on September 22, featuring a new judging dynamic with TV chef Nigella Lawson joining Paul Hollywood. Williams expressed her excitement about the new pairing but admitted she would be intimidated baking for Lawson, while also acknowledging the honest, if sometimes harsh, feedback from former judge Prue Leith.