Great British Bake Off final 2016 was show's most-watched episode ever

The Great British Bake Off final on Wednesday night was the show’s most-watched episode ever - peaking at 14.8 million.

Copyright [BBC/Supplied by WENN]

Millions tuned in to see Candice Brown crowned the winner on the series’ last-ever appearance on the BBC before it moves to Channel 4 next year.

According to BBC News, Wednesday night’s final averaged an incredible 14 million viewers and the 14.8 million peak came just before the 9pm finish when judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood congratulated the star baker on her achievement.

The finale’s 14 million average gave the show its highest overnight audience ever, trumping last year’s final when an average of 13.6 million tuned in to see Nadiya Hussain win the series.

Copyright [BBC/Supplied by WENN]

But after catch-up figures were included the total number who watched last year’s finale was more than 15 million.

The consolidated figures for Candice’s triumph won’t be available until early next month.

Copyright [BBC/Supplied by WENN]

Charlotte Moore, director of BBC Content, said: “BBC One brought over half of the British viewing public together to watch the final of The Great British Bake Off, delivering the highest ever ratings.”

Candice was clearly delighted to have won the final, beating off competition from Jane Beedle and Andrew Smyth.

She said afterwards: “Never ever did I think I’d ever even get on this and I’m standing here now with [the trophy]. And they said my name. And that means more to me than anyone will ever, ever realise. It really, really does …”