As a dance and drama teacher and former cheerleader for the Vodafone Warriors, Gemma Boucher may not fit the typical contestant mould for Chelsea New Zealand’s Hottest Home Baker, but making delicious treats is actually the 26-year-old’s secret to staying in shape.While she can’t kick quite as high as she could during her cheerleading days, Gemma keeps fit by dancing while she bakes.
“When I’m cooking, I love to have a dance in the kitchen. It can be a bit disastrous, but it’s good fun. Fleetwood Mac and a bit of Michael Jackson never goes amiss at home.”
The Aucklander may be an unlikely finalist on the TV3 reality competition, but she has an extra incentive to win. The newlywed still hasn’t enjoyed a honeymoon, signing up for the show shortly after marrying her partner, Andrew. So, the top prize – a trip to Singapore – would be an overdue romantic break. However, she’s got her work cut out, in the gruelling six-hour baking finale this week.
“My mother-in-law and husband are the ones who encouraged me to go on the show,” says Gemma.
“Even though we’d just got married, he was really supportive, and said, ‘Just do it.’ And no matter what happens, I’m proud of myself.”
After several disasters, including dropping her muffins on the floor in the first episode and forgetting butter in a dessert challenge, she surprised even herself by making it to the end. Gemma also copped some flak on social media for frequently crying during the series and her ditzy moments, but the happy-go-lucky baker just laughs off the criticism.
“People may perceive me as the crier, or really bubbly, but I don’t worry,” she says.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned from this is people will, no matter what, think about you in a certain way, and that’s okay if you stay true to yourself.“
In one episode, I had to make a pork pie and didn’t know what it was. I thought it was like a steak pie, but made with pork. I can laugh about that now.
“It was stressful – but I learned something new and that’s what life’s all about. I’m proud I didn’t let my own self-doubt stop me from getting far as I have.”
Watch Chelsea New Zealand’s Hottest Home Baker on tv3, Thursday, 7.30pm.
