The Great British Bake Off: The First Baker Leaves the Tent

27 September 2023

In Tuesday’s night’s episode of The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4, Dan was named Star Baker and Amos, 43 from North London was the first baker to leave the 14th 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.

Kicking off the series with Cake Week, the bakers had their first opportunity to impress the judges.

In the signature they were challenged to produce the perfect vertical layer cake. Next, under the fabled gingham cloth, were the ingredients for the first technical, an iconic chocolate cake which was familiar to viewers.    Finally, a sponge showstopper that featured a menagerie of animals, which gave the bakers a chance to express their architectural skills, and some humour along the way…

At the end of the first episode Alison announced that Dan was the Star Baker and Noel had the difficult job that no-one wants of telling Amos that he would be the first Baker leaving the tent. 

Amos said:  ‘It was obviously the Showstopper that stopped my show.  As soon as I heard my name I came out of my body.  It has been amazing being in that group of people walking into the tent on the first day,  and that is softening the blow a little bit.’

Prue reassured him and said:  ‘Tomorrow you will remember that you got into Bake Off.’

 

Here Amos talks about his experience: 

‘Really I don’t think my words would ever give that feeling of walking in to the big white tent for the first time any justice. It was like a dream and seeing my work station for the first time was so unreal but also so naturally where I was meant to be!

‘What I have learned from my experience on Bake Off is that I can always bring anything together under pressure and that I’m now a part of an exclusive club. I will definitely keep on baking and hope to maybe open up my own bakery and feed the world with love and cake lol! and who knows where it will take me….

‘I know now that I can whip up a cake in no time and to not take life too seriously.   In that first episode I felt that my best moment was coming second in the technical challenge – and the worst was hearing my name to leave the tent!  It was an out of body experience is all I can say!

‘My favourite challenge overall has to be the technical challenge funnily enough as I thought that would be my worst…   And my worst challenge was the Showstopper  – need I say more?

‘One of the funniest moments in the tent was Alison thinking my Apple buttercream was champagne flavoured ha ha.  Honestly it was such a pleasure meeting Noel and Alison and she gave us all such a warm welcome and even gave us some treats to eat during our down time ...legendary

‘ I was so close to my fellow bakers and felt that we could relate on so many levels.   I would definitely say to any amateur bakers out there apply for the next series  – hell yeah go for it – it’s so worth it.’

 

To apply online for the next series of The Great British Bake Off : www.applyforbakeoff.co.uk

Amos joins Jo Brand and Tom Allen on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice on Thursday 28 September, Channel 4 at 8.00 pm.  Panel guests are Bake Off presenter Alison Hammond, Michelle Visage and Stephen Mangan.