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

23 October 2024

In Tuesday’s night’s episode of The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4, Gill was named Star Baker and Andy was the fifth 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.

 

In Week 5 of this year’s series of The Great British Bake Off it was time for Pastry week. The Bakers got down to business with a frangipane tart before setting sail for warmer climes, for a flaky Technical challenge. The showstopper challenged the Bakers’ choux skills as they were faced with a tricky Paris-Brest that could make or break their pastry dreams.

And at the end of the fifth episode Noel announced that Gill was the Star Baker and Alison had the difficult job that no-one wants of telling Andy that he would be the fifth Baker leaving the tent. 

 

Andy said:  ‘Just sad you know, I have had such a fantastic time, I have had so many laughs.  But that’s the standard…. C’est la vie!’

 

Prue said:  ‘It’s so sad to see Andy go.   I adore the guy, but he just didn’t have a good week.’

 

Here Andy talks about his experience after leaving the tent:

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

I have learnt to adapt and overcome, keep trying and don’t give up.

 

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

Best moment in the Tent was Paul’s comment in biscuit week for my signature bakes ”Vanessa’s Wheels” haha .  Worst moment…I had a few I think! Ha ha

 

Prue saying I was clumsy in the technical in week 1.  It was a difficult technical and I didn’t think it was that bad. However that gave me the spark to make sure I didn’t drop the ball in the Showstopper.

 

What’s next for you in the baking world?

I’d like to think that I could do something in the baking world and make it my career. Probably start baking on social media and introduce the world to my bakes and flavours.

Doing Demos or even something within the media/tv…I’d be blessed and grateful of any opportunity.

Hopefully I can bring some joy to people and encourage everyone (even mechanics) haha to bake!

 

Favourite challenge overall and why.

Paul giving us a masterclass technical in Bread week.

A real pinch yourself moment.  Loved it.

 

Worst challenge and why?

Pastry week Technical, I really failed to execute and using the pasta rolling machine that I’ve not used in years.  Took time for me to remember how to use it correctly…Time I didn’t have.

 

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

I was so sad that I was leaving, I knew that it was right and I’d prepared myself for the decision.

I had so much more to give and I felt I let myself down by not executing my bakes as well as I have previously.  I was very emotional doing the showstopper and I couldn’t get my mind focused. The tent can emotionally affect you without realizing..

 

Funniest moment in the tent throughout your time there?

There are so many funny moments to choose just one.  I think that one technical when Noel batted some discarded pastry of Nelly’s and accidentally smashed her caramel.  It was funny but then immediately after Noel felt really bad. All I can say is that it wasn’t my fault!

 

What do you love most about all your fellow bakers

I love the passion they all have and the love for one and other.

 

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

I have taken away that I can bake under pressure and not to be scared of the unknown, and if all fails then don’t give up and adapt.

 

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

Definitely, you will learn so much and have the best time.

You’re in the best of hands.

You have nothing to lose.

Get involved.

 

 

AN EXTRA SLICE

Andy will join Jo Brand and Tom Allen on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice on

Thursday 24 October on Channel 4 at 8.00 pm.