Laura Adlington: From Bake Off Finalist to Inspirational Voice of Body Confidence
When we hear the name Laura Adlington, many of us immediately think of the cheerful, resilient, and talented baker who reached the final of The Great British Bake Off in 2020. Yet Laura’s journey extends far beyond the tent. She is a digital specialist, podcaster, writer, and body-confidence advocate who has touched the lives of thousands by speaking candidly about her own struggles and triumphs.
This article takes a close look at who Laura Adlington really is: her early life, her career before Bake Off, her time on the show, her personal life including her husband, and her recent pregnancy news. We will also explore how old Laura Adlington is, and why she has become such an influential voice in today’s conversations about confidence, body image, and wellbeing.
Who Is Laura Adlington?
Laura Adlington is a British content and digital communications professional, best known publicly for her appearance as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2020. Away from the cameras, she has spent years building a successful career in digital strategy. She worked at South East Water as a Digital Manager, leading social media, content, and brand projects. With a first-class degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Anglia Ruskin University, her passion for storytelling and connection has shaped every part of her career.
What sets Laura apart, however, is her openness and honesty. She is not only a baker but also a strong advocate for body confidence and positive mental health. Her candid discussions about dieting culture, online trolling, and self-acceptance have positioned her as an inspirational figure for many women across the UK and beyond.
Laura Adlington’s Age and Early Background
So, how old is Laura Adlington? Laura was born in 1988, making her 36 years old in 2025. She grew up in Kent and attended Gravesend Grammar School for Girls before going on to Anglia Ruskin University. Her background in English literature shows through in the warmth and clarity of her communication, whether in her professional digital work or her writing as an author and content creator.
Laura Adlington on Bake Off
The Bake Off Journey
Laura Adlington became a household name when she appeared in Series 11 of The Great British Bake Off in 2020. Her colourful bakes, warm sense of humour, and resilience in the face of setbacks made her an instant favourite among viewers. Though she occasionally struggled with presentation, her flavours were consistently praised by the judges, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
Her place in the final cemented her reputation as a talented baker, but what really resonated with audiences was her authenticity. She spoke openly about her nerves, her self-doubt, and her determination, which many people related to during a difficult year marked by the pandemic.
The Aftermath of Bake Off
Following her time on the show, Laura gained a large online following. While she faced some cruel trolling on social media, she handled it with strength and used her platform to highlight the damaging effects of negative body image and unrealistic expectations. Instead of being discouraged, she transformed the attention into an opportunity to inspire others.
Life Beyond the Tent
Career in Digital Strategy
Before Bake Off, Laura had already built an impressive career in digital management. At South East Water, she worked for more than a decade, eventually becoming Digital Manager. Her responsibilities included managing social media campaigns, overseeing content creation, and leading digital innovation projects.
Her background gave her the skills to connect authentically with audiences, which later proved invaluable as she shifted towards body-positivity campaigns, podcasting, and writing.
Body Positivity and Advocacy
Laura has become a vocal advocate for rejecting diet culture. She revealed that she started dieting as young as eight years old, and spent many years struggling with self-esteem. By speaking publicly about these experiences, she encourages others to value themselves beyond numbers on a scale.
Her podcast, Go Love Yourself, co-hosted with Lauren Smith, quickly became award-winning, offering candid conversations about self-acceptance, mental health, and confidence.
In 2023, Laura published her first book, Diet Starts Monday, which offered readers a no-nonsense guide to body acceptance in a world obsessed with appearances.
Laura Adlington’s Personal Life
Laura Adlington’s Husband
Laura is married to Matthew (Matt) Adlington, who works as a Police Community Support Officer in Kent. Their relationship has been a source of strength through difficult times, particularly during their long journey to start a family.
Laura Adlington Pregnant: Her Miracle Baby
One of the most significant moments in Laura’s personal life came in 2025, when she announced that she and her husband were expecting their first child. After nine years of fertility struggles and IVF treatment, Laura described the pregnancy as a “miracle.”
She later revealed that they are expecting a baby boy, due in October 2025. In sharing her pregnancy journey, she has once again been open about the realities many women face, from fertility challenges to the pressures of body image during pregnancy.
Her honesty about having a “B-shaped bump” and reassuring followers that “all bumps are good bumps” has further cemented her role as a relatable and supportive voice for women.
How Old Is Laura Adlington?
As noted earlier, Laura Adlington was born in 1988. That makes her 36 years old in 2025. Her age has often been a topic of curiosity, especially as she came into the public eye relatively later than some reality TV contestants. Rather than fame as a teenager or early twenty-something, Laura brought maturity, experience, and resilience to her Bake Off journey and beyond.
Why Laura Adlington Inspires So Many
Laura’s story is about far more than baking. She represents the importance of resilience, authenticity, and courage in the face of public scrutiny. Many admire her for:
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Challenging diet culture and promoting body confidence.
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Speaking openly about fertility struggles and celebrating her pregnancy.
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Balancing a professional career with public life.
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Remaining authentic in the sometimes harsh world of social media.
Her combination of warmth, honesty, and determination makes her a positive role model in modern British culture.
Conclusion
Laura Adlington is more than a Bake Off finalist; she is a voice of encouragement, honesty, and body positivity. From her early days in digital management to the bright lights of the Bake Off tent, from facing online trolls to celebrating the joy of pregnancy after years of struggle, her journey continues to inspire.
At 36, with a successful career behind her, a growing platform as a podcaster and author, and a new chapter of motherhood ahead, Laura shows us that life can be full of challenges and triumphs in equal measure. Her story reminds us of the importance of kindness—to ourselves and others—and the strength that comes from embracing who we truly are.
