Former Great British Bake Off champion John Whaite claims winning the show a decade ago 'derailed' his life.
The 33-year-old, who beat off competition from finalists Brendan Lynch and James Morton in the third series of the long-running show, added that he sometimes regrets even appearing on the show.
In an interview with the Telegraph, the baker even went as far as warning would-be contestants to be careful what they wish for.
"Some days I'd wish I had never been on the show, because in reality, it totally derailed me from a steady life path," John explained.
"I drank more than I should have and posted unwisely on Instagram and Twitter. If I knew then what I knew now, would I do it all again? Absolutely. But I'd approach it so differently."
John added that as the show went from strength to strength in the years following his victory, his own TV work began to dry up as his moment in the spotlight faded - resulting in him turning to drink.
Although advice on how to handle new found fame from then broadcaster BBC or the show's production company Love Productions wasn't ever forthcoming, John believes support wouldn't have made an impact on him.
"I don't think it would have made an ounce of difference even if they had [offered advice]," he said.
"Addiction to the razzle dazzle came naturally to the youthful me."
John returned to the spotlight in dramatic fashion last year, meanwhile, after finishing runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional dancer Johannes Radebe - the first same-sex partnership in the show's history.
British Bake Off returned to our screens on Tuesday night, meanwhile, introducing a fresh batch of amateur bakers, though many viewers decided not to tune in.
The opening episode of the now Channel 4 show went ahead as planned, while many other TV channels chose to make changes to their schedules following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The first instalment saw a slump in viewing figures, with just 4.4 million people tuning in to watch the competition.
The Great British Bake Off continues at 8pm on Tuesdays on Channel 4.
