Send us a text

In this episode of Sober Sparkle, I sit down with the wonderful Briony May, who many of you will know from the Great British Bake Off, where she won hearts in 2018 and made it all the way to the semifinals. Since then, Briony has become a familiar face on UK television, presenting on Food Unwrapped and Escape to the Country, while bringing her warmth, humour and down-to-earth charm into people’s homes. But as we discover in this conversation, her story goes far beyond cakes and television.

Briony shares her powerful health wake-up call in 2023, when a stomach ulcer led her to give up alcohol, caffeine, fizzy drinks and even vaping. What started as a temporary change quickly became a complete lifestyle transformation. She’s since lost three stone, found fresh confidence, and embraced a vibrant sober life filled with roller discos, triathlon training and a new sense of freedom. Together, we talk about the benefits of choosing sobriety, not just in terms of physical health, but also in self-acceptance, emotional resilience and the ability to enjoy life more fully.

Our conversation also delves into Briony’s role as a passionate disability advocate. She speaks honestly about growing up with one hand, the shame she initially carried around the word “disabled”, and how she has since embraced her identity with pride and strength. Briony reflects on the influence of her agent Andrew, the importance of representation in media, and the power of communities like Reach in supporting families and children with limb differences. Her insights highlight how embracing every part of ourselves can lead to deeper confidence and connection.

We also explore what it means to rediscover joy when alcohol is no longer in the picture. Briony talks openly about the ways sobriety has helped her manage stress, show up more present with her daughter, and even improve her work as a presenter. She shares her “play the tape forward” approach for handling triggers, her love of swimming as a new-found passion, and the sense of pride she now feels in aligning her choices with her values.

This episode is full of warmth, honesty and inspiration. Briony’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to hit rock bottom to make a change. Sometimes it just takes a wake-up call, a little curiosity, and the courage to say yes to a different way of living. From Bake Off star to sober role model, her journey shows how transformation is possible, and how choosing to go alcohol-free can unlock energy, joy and self-belief in ways you might never expect.