Did ‘The Great British Baking Show’ Baker Iain Ross Propose to His Pole-Dancing Girlfriend Yet?

By Meghan O'Keefe Twitter @megsokay
Published Oct. 3, 2025, 7:00 p.m. ET

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The Great British Baking Show became extra romantic this week and it wasn’t just because it was “Chocolate Week.”

Northern Irish baker Alison Hammond — and the entire Great British Baking Show-watching world — that his Chocolate Fondue Showstopper was actually designed after the place he planned to propose to long-time girlfriend Dervla. Alison then stepped in as “Dervla” to help Iain practice his proposal.

After The Great British Baking Show “Chocolate Week” aired in the UK this week, Iain revealed on social media that he not only was now engaged to Dervla, but that the couple has posed together at that same waterfall for eight years.

It’s just the latest magical, life-affirming moment gifted to us by The Great British Baking Show.

**Spoilers for The Great British Baking Show, “Chocolate Week,” now streaming on Netflix**

The Great British Baking Show “Chocolate Week” is usually fraught with tragedy, thanks to high temperatures and even higher standards for tempered chocolate. This year’s “Chocolate Week” was a far sweeter affair, thanks to mild summer weather and Iain’s love life.

Iain explained to judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith that he was building a chocolate waterfall just like the one he and partner Dervla loved to visit in Glenariff Park.

“Don’t tell anyone, but I’m planning on proposing to Derv at this place,” Iain said, before explaining what she meant to him. “I would never have applied for this if it wasn’t for Derv. Yeah, she’s the most important person in my life.”

The Great British Baking Show fans will note that Iain’s mentioned Dervla a lot since entering the tent. He told the charming story of their meet cute in a pub and how her pole-dancing classmates loved his practice bakes. Dervla, or “Derv” as Iain calls her, has been such an important part of his journey that Alison insisted on helping him plot his proposal.

“So I was thinking you need to practice this moment,” Alison Hammond said.

Much like he did last week, when he took Alison’s invitation “to play” and jumped out of the tent, Iain gladly joined in the game.

“You know, Derv, I’ve been thinking, it’s been seven years,” Iain said, before getting down on one knee and opening a chocolate lump like it was a jewelry box. “Will you marry me?”

“Oh, that’s such a lovely ring. Yes, I will!” Alison said.

The host then kissed Iain on both cheeks and said, “Dervla, you are in for a treat. You are going to have the best engagement.” Indeed, it appears Alison’s prediction came true.

Earlier this week, Iain posted about the couple’s engagement on social media. “Don’t suppose you know anyone who can make a decent wedding cake?” he wrote, adding an engagement ring emoji. The first photo in the carousel showed a smiling Dervla, ring on hand, grabbing an equally happy Iain’s face. The Glenariff Park waterfall is behind them.

“A picture at this waterfall every year for the past 8 years, and a special lil one to complete the frame,” Iain added with a glittering pink heart emoji. The rest of the carousel features glimpses of years past and a better look at the waterfall.

Iain is still competing on The Great British Baking Show, meaning he’s got a chance to win that coveted champion’s cake stand for their kitchen. Mazel tov to the happy couple.