The retired GP surgery manager won the competition after judge Mary Berry waxed lyrical about her ‘quiet determination’.
Fellow judge Paul Hollywood said that Nancy’s baking was ‘close to perfection’.
Nancy, 60, is the oldest winner of the popular baking show, beating fellow finalists Luis Troyano, 42 and builder Richard Burr, 37, who was the bookie’s favourite to walk away as 2014’s ‘star baker’.
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The finalists were challenged to create a “piece montee” featuring sponge, caramel and choux pastry- all to be completed in five hours.
Nancy took on 30 separate baking challenges over the series, which lasted for 10 weeks.
The pensioner said following her win: "I can remember having to stand for what seemed an eternity to hear the result. I looked at a tree in the distance and focused on that rather than looking at the judges, and felt what will be will be.
"We were all pretty exhausted, Luis was close to tears, and Richard looked the same. I took a big gulp, and realised that this moment was like knowing the snowman is going to melt and it will never be the same again. So it was quite a poignant time for all of us."
Paul Hollywood said following the finale: "Nancy has been confident, creative and unafraid as a baker and that showed from the very start. In one of my judgings I called her close to perfection, so that says it for me.
"This series has been one of the best for me, as we have had great bakers who have built on their baking expertise each week. They have shown both a depth of knowledge and a sense of humour, you really couldn't have asked for a better bunch.
'They have really pushed the boundaries of technique this year. The style, the finesse and the precision - the class of 2014 have been exceptional."
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