THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF: THE EIGHTH BAKER LEAVES THE TENT

In Tuesday’s night’s episode of The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4, Georgie was named Star Baker and Illiyin was the eighth baker to leave the 15th series.

The nation’s most famous tent was pitched in the grounds of Welford Park once again.  Presenters Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond came to lead the latest batch of 12 bakers through thirty brand new challenges set by Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, in 10 episodes.

It was week 8, and for the first time The Great British Bake Off stepped back in time to the 1970s! The bakers were rocking their bellbottoms as they tackled three groovy challenges from the decade that brought us ABBA, Star Wars, and space hoppers.

First up, it was all about choux as the bakers whip up towering profiterole masterpieces, perfect for a 70s dinner party. For the Technical Challenge they took on a retro favourite and since the 1970s was the golden age of the gateau, the showstopper demanded a cake that was  elaborately decorated with all the flair of the era.

And at the end of the eighth episode Noel announced that Georgie was the Star Baker and Alison had the difficult job of telling Illiyin that she would be the eighth baker leaving the tent. 

After the announcement Illiyin said: ‘It’s a funny thing I feel I can drop my shoulders a little bit, and at least you don’t have to go and practice patisserie!  Even all these feelings of sadness underneath all of that I think there is an immense sense of pride, I am glad to have that.  This is an exceptional competition with exceptional bakers and to have been part of it, that’s quite special. Over and out Bake Off, it’s done!’

Prue said:  ‘You were a very good baker, a wonderful woman, you should be very proud of yourself.’

After leaving Illiyin talked about her time in the tent: 

What do you feel that you have learned the most from your experience in the tent?

I learned that I can do really hard things, I know that for many it looks like it Is just cake but the experience has taught me so much about myself, my grit and determination, how I function (or don’t!) under pressure and how much pressure to reach some odd idea of perfection I had. It really has been the most amazing learning curve. 

Overall what was your best and worst moment in the Tent?

My best moment was when Paul and Prue tasted my Paris Brest, I was so nervous about it, it hadn’t worked for me in practice and when it all came together in the tent I was overjoyed! 

My worst was definitely the gateaux, I just felt it going from bad to worse, it felt a bit like walking towards a bottomless pit and I couldn’t stop! 

What’s next for you in the baking world?

Oh, I’m not sure. I just want to keep developing my style and creativity within baking. Recipe development has to be one of my favourite things and that is definitely something GBBO has taught me!

Favourite challenge overall and why.

Ooo! I loved the horn of plenty! It felt stressful but I loved the abundance of it and how it looked at the end! 

Worst challenge and why?

70’s week showstopper. I think within myself I felt so fraught and just couldn’t bring it back. And then when the whole thing collapsed in the fridge that was it for me!

Can you describe how you felt when the presenter announced that you would be leaving how did your fellow Bakers cheer you up.

I had actually been anticipating it and Alison couldn’t look at me so I knew, I felt absolutely gutted and couldn’t stop crying because I knew I could do better but equally, I knew it was my time. I was exhausted and so despite my misery was relieved to live it through the other amazing four people that were left!

Funniest moment in the tent throughout your time there?

It has to be when Alison went to sit on the baking bench and fell off. She couldn’t stop laughing and neither could we! 

What do you love most about all your fellow bakers

I love the mix, these are people that I probably would never have got to meet if it wasn’t for the show. They are a bunch of wonderful people who I’m so glad I got to share this experience with!

What will you take away from your experience on Bake Off?

Quite frankly I still can’t believe I even got on! But I’ll take away that it’s all about the people, that’s what made it possible.  The most lovely and incredible production and set crew, my fellow contestants and my incredible family. What an experience, one I’ll treasure for the rest of my life. 

Would you encourage other home bakers to apply for the next series?

One hundred percent. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, for personal growth, baking growth and the opportunity of a life time, do it!