John Mincher, a standout contestant on this year’s Great British Bake Off, has recently attracted attention not only for his impressive baking but also for his controversial past. Named Star Baker in the first episode of the new series, Mincher was allegedly dismissed from his role at Lloyds Bank after being accused of misappropriating thousands of pounds.
Prior to his appearance on the beloved show, the 37-year-old worked as a directorate support manager for the NHS and previously led a compliance unit at Lloyds HQ in Pendeford, near Wolverhampton. It was during this time that he reportedly misused a compensation payment system designed for customers.
Sources revealed to The Sun that this shocking information did not emerge during the show’s pre-screening checks, which do not include police background checks. A former colleague expressed disbelief upon seeing him on Bake Off, recalling the incident from seven years ago: “I almost spat out my tea. Loads of people remember what happened.”
Despite the controversy, Mincher was a popular boss before his sudden departure from Lloyds.
In the Bake Off tent, he impressed the judges with his signature loaf cake and his showstopper, “The Perfect Brunch” Illusion Cake, which Prue Leith praised for its unique margarita flavor. His consistent baking throughout the day earned him the coveted Star Baker title.
MailOnline has reached out to Mincher, Lloyds Bank, and Channel 4 for comments. A spokesperson from Lloyds Banking Group stated, “We do not comment on individual colleagues,” while the Bake Off production team emphasized their commitment to thorough background checks for all participants.
