BBC Strictly star opening a concept cake shop a short drive from Liverpool The former BBC Strictly dancer said he has finally found the perfect spot for his new shop Great British Bake Off Winner John Whaite has announced plans to open his own cake shop (Image: MEN ) A former BBC Strictly Come Dancing star and Bake Off champion is opening a new cake shop. John Whaite shot to victory in the third series of the baking competition in 2012 when the programme still aired on the BBC. The star baker also waltzed his way around the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom in 2021. John was partnered with professional dancer Johannes Radebe and placed runner-up to actress Rose Ayling-Ellis. John now has his sights set on opening a cake shop after securing premises. ‌ The Lancashire-based star has been searching for the perfect location and has now announced he has found premises a short drive from Liverpool. ‌ Great British Bake Off Winner John Whaite has announced plans to open his own cake shop (Image: MEN ) Last weekend, cake fans got to sample some of the sweet treats John and his team of bakers have been testing at a pop-up at the Too Good Farm Shop in Wrightington, near Wigan. Bakes for sale on the day included basque cheesecakes, choux buns carrot cake slices, lemon meringue pies, pumpkin bundts, macaroons and pistachio and raspberry cookies, the MEN reported. Naturally, there were also piles of his signature brownies and blondie. John was born and raised in Wrightington and his brownie production kitchen remains in the area. And on Sunday, John and his RuffPuff Brownies accounts confirmed to fans that a location had now officially been found for the shop site. Article continues below Great British Bake Off Winner John Whaite has announced plans to open his own cake shop (Image: MEN ) An Instagram post from RuffPuff Brownies said: "Have we found a location for our first store? YES WE BLOOMIN' HAVE. Staff will be needed so keep your eyes peeled for more info." Later, John added his own posts about the news on his Instagram stories. He said: "Celebrating with a perfect piece of brownie. We've found a location for our first @ruffpuffbrownies store. Opening sometime this year." ‌ Great British Bake Off Winner John Whaite has announced plans to open his own cake shop (Image: MEN ) He went on to add a further post holding a large bakewell tart, saying: "Oh, and it won't just be brownies on the menu... You get me?" John is not yet confirming the exact location of the new store, but told the MEN: "What I can say is that it'll be all the things we can't offer in the post - tarts, choux buns and hopefully some laminated doughs as well."