Everyone loves a tasty treat from their local baker and thanks to TV shows like The Great British Bake Off, baking isn’t just trendy right now, it’s down right sexy.

Now sadly I couldn’t bake if my life depended on it, just ask Mrs Henderson, my old home economics teacher, who nearly had a nervous breakdown watching a 15-year-old me simply attempt to crack an egg in her classroom.

Thankfully however I don’t need to master the art of baking as there are thousands of wonderful bakers up and down Scotland who do a grand job when it comes to tasty treats, phew. That’s why I’m simply over the moon to be the new face of the Scottish Baker of the Year competition which launched in Saltcoats yesterday in a bid to find that one establishment, the cream of the crop, who will be crowned the Scottish Baker of the Year 2017. A prestigious title and award indeed.

Current champions, The Kandy Bar, hosted the official launch of the competition with reigning champ Stephen McAllister and couture cake queen Mich Turner MBE taking on the Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry roles, setting tasks and overseeing things in a most professional manner.

To mark the start of the competition me, River City and Scot Squad star Grado, Live at Five presenters David Farrell and Jennifer Reoch and Glasgow food blogger Emma Myktyn all went head to head in a ‘Generation Game’ style bake-off.

I know what you’re all thinking, it’s a hard way to earn a day’s crust I know but someone’s got to do it right? Clearly I was the overall winner, well that’s my story and I’m sticking to it as David and Jennifer actually won on the day, but let’s be honest it should have been me because you don’t get to stay in this kind of shape without knowing a thing or two about cakes let me tell you.

David wasn’t happy and was calling for a stewards inquiry when I won last year but that’s just how the cookie crumbles David ma boy. This year I’ll just have to accept defeat graciously and that’s that.

Anyway back to the real competition and if you want to see your local bakery crowned Scottish Baker of the Year 2017 you need to get voting asap as only you can decide. Voting is now open and will run until March 8. There’s not much time to vote so make sure you log on to www.scottishbakers.org/vote2017 to make a huge difference and credit to your local bakers.

The great news is that voting also automatically enters you into a draw to win one of six Apple Watches so can I claim dibs on one please if you win? Judging day is March 22 at Carnegie Conference Centre and the winner will be announced at a glittering Gala dinner at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow on Saturday May 6 2017. Best of luck to everyone involved, I know it’s going to be another cracking year.

Don’t forget I’m performing my five star, sell out,one woman show at this year’s Glasgow International Comedy Festival. Michelle McManus’ Reality: The Musical will play one night only at the legendary Stand Comedy Club on Wednesday March 22 2017. Tickets are going extremely fast so make sure you don’t miss out. For more information just log onto http://www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com/shows/1614 or call 0844 873 7353. It’s a brilliant night out with comedy stories and great sing a along numbers.

Happy Anniversary to my darling parents John and Helen McManus. It was 39 years ago tomorrow, you walked down the aisle and said I do.

Five daughters and two grandchildren later you’re still as much in love today as you were on that day back in 1978. Your daughters simply wouldn’t be the women we are today without you both and we’re so lucky to have the most wonderful mum and dad in the world. Have a fantastic day and I can’t wait to celebrate with you both. xxx