Former Strictly Come Dancing star John Whaite has announced that he has officially left OnlyFans after joining the adult streaming platform earlier this year. The 36-year-old took to Instagram to explain that his departure was motivated by a reminder "of a talent I’d neglected". After winning the Great British Bake Off in 2012, the baker joined the line-up for Strictly in 2021, where he made history as the show's first same-sex pairing with pro Johanes Radebe, and together they went all the way to the final.
In 2023, John declared that he would not be appearing on TV again after Steph’s Packed Lunch was axed from Channel 4, and he ultimately lost his job. At the time, he claimed that the team was blindsided by the news of the axe, with "the rug pulled out from underneath them, which is really, really terrible". John then joined OnlyFans and has since been open about his experience on the platform, explaining that it gave him "a sense of complete freedom in my sexuality". This decision also saw the end of some brand deals, including Waitrose, which reportedly did so "without any notice".
However, just months later, the 36-year-old has had a change of heart and announced: "I’m leaving OnlyFans," to focus on other career ventures.
In the lengthy Instagram caption, John explained: "Life has shifted in a way I couldn’t have predicted — Ruff Puff Bakehouse and Ruff Puff Brownies have taken up so much of my time, but in the best possible way. They’ve reminded me of a talent I’d neglected, and given me a new respect for the craft that first set me on this path all those years ago.
"Working side by side with the team, creating something real and lasting, has shown me that my value isn’t in muscles or body image — it’s in building, baking, and sharing. For the first time since Bake Off 13 years ago, I feel a true sense of purpose again."
The star insisted: "This isn’t the end of something, it’s the start of a new chapter — one rooted in passion, creativity, and community. And I couldn’t be more ready."
Addressing those on the adult platform, John shared: "To all the OnlyFans fans and peers - thank you for the support along the way. I wish you all well and much success. I’m not Jonny Boy, I’m just John, and I’m putting one foot in front of the other just like the rest of the world."
His comments were flooded with heart-warming messages from fans as one penned: "Life is a recipe - always in progress, but for this chapter you have all the right ingredients."
Another shared, "Sometimes we have to tick things off our list by trying them hopefully with no regrets and moving on!!! Good for you; I'm glad you’ve finally found your happy place."
Among the fans were also his celebrity pals, as chef Lisa Faulkner wrote: "I love you John Whaite." As Strictly professional, Nancy Xu Xi simply shared six purple heart emojis.
