I was one of Bake Off’s most popular stars but people forgot about me because of strict show rule

VAL Stones was a big hit when she was on Bake Off - but her fame came at a price.

The former substitute teacher was a contestant on the show back when Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins still presented on the BBC.

With her adorable accent and ability to keep dropping things, viewers couldn't get enough of her.

Val was adored for her love of her Somerset home and her need to sing and talk to every one of her many bakes in the tent.

After leaving the show in 2016, Val claims she wasn't allowed to showcase her baking expertise with the world.

She told The Sun: "The strange thing is my series was six years ago and, when we did Bake Off, we weren't allowed to take on any professional work for a whole year.

"We weren't allowed within our contract. We weren't allowed. So we had to have a year where we we weren't allowed to do anything.

"We could post and do baking online and things like that."

Val added that the chances of gaining anything publicly is taken away - and she lost out on work because of it.

"Once a year was up then work started coming in, but not so much," she added.

"And now they can start straightaway, which is a benefit because in a year people forget you."

Despite not being able to showcase her baking work for a year, Val did reveal that she has since been spotted in some rather peculiar places.

"People say life will not be the same again after doing Bake Off and no, it is never the same again," she concluded.

"I've been recognised on the Great Wall of China, several times in America and always at the airport."

The Great British Bake Off continues on C4 at 8pm on Tuesdays.