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

In Tuesday’s night’s episode of The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4, Dylan was named Star Baker and Sumayah was the seventh 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 seven of The Great British Bake Off, and this time the bakers dived into the world of desserts.

In the signature challenge, they showcased their meringue-making skills by creating exquisitely filled meringue nests. Next, they took a crack at Prue’s twist on a classic British steamed suet pudding, and finally, the bakers gave their own twist to the beloved Italian dessert, Tiramisu.

And at the end of the seventh episode Noel announced that Dylan was the Star Baker and Alison had the difficult job of telling Sumayah that she would be the seventh Baker leaving the tent. 

After the announcement Sumayah said:  ‘I feel like it wasn’t one specific event  that let me down, it was just kind of a series of mistakes here and there. I have learned to be more confident in myself and my ideas. You learn a lot from everyone and I feel I am going to take a piece of everyone away with me.

Prue said:  ‘I am really sorry to see Sumayah go home, she is so talented and so artistic and her flavours are so bold and imaginative, but I think this week she had a problem’.

After leaving Sumayah talked about her time in the tent:

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

 I’ve learnt that I’m capable of achieving hard things, and to give myself credit for doing so. It’s easy to dismiss accomplishments just because you were able to do it, but the amazing support from everyone really opened my eyes. Not only did I work hard to achieve what I did, but I am also so privileged to be able to undergo this experience. I truly have no regrets, the rush and adrenaline of being in the tent was so gratifying, it pushed me to incredible heights that I miss every single day! 

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

 I felt so proud after my ‘pato the duck’ cake in week 1. I vividly remember panicking mid challenge just thinking to myself ‘why would I ever think I would be good enough for Bake Off? Why am I making a stupid duck on TV?’ But just the reaction of everyone once I had finished was so amazing, and hilarious. I think its extra special when the bake has personal meaning to you. My lowest moment for me, wouldn’t be when I got sent home, or any moment that week surprisingly. It would have to be my week 4 caramel week showstopper, when they cut into my mousse cake (or attempted to) and I just knew it was over. I disappointed myself, it didn’t go to plan, and worse of all I had to watch Mike go. I was inconsolable on the phone to my mum! But it did motivate me to prove I deserved my place in the competition. 

What’s next for you in the baking world? 

I’ve started my first year of dental school which is pretty demanding, I hope I still make time for my creative side as I think having an outlet is so important both physically and mentally for anyone. Bake Off made me realize how much I enjoy recipe development so I want to continue more of that. In my goodbyes to everyone, Paul mentioned ‘I’ll buy your book’ which was very high praise, so we will see what’s in the cards! It’s safe to say I’ll have my hands full for the next few years. 

Favourite challenge overall and why. 

It’s not a stand out challenge, but the tarte tatin technical in week 4 was so enjoyable, it felt like just your average Sunday baking. Back to basics, focusing on simple technique to create an amazing dessert. That challenge to me is what baking is all about. It’s since entered my regular rotation, that caramelized walnut ice cream is insane. 

Worst challenge and why?

Spotted dick, week 7. Easily. It’s so funny because I’ve made countless streamed puddings before, but if there’s anything I’ve learnt from the tent, it’s the things you’re confident in that end up screwing you over! 

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

After having such a rough week, it wasn’t a surprise! I do think there’s a small blessing in knowing it’s your time, than it coming out of nowhere. It’s an awful feeling, having this bubble popped and having to go back home- I had a good cry! I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to make it further. The support and messages from everyone were incredible. They honestly shifted my mindset from not focusing on what was lost, but instead the incredible things I achieved and the fantastic few months I had just had. I think it’s easy to let a final moment define a whole experience. But now when I think about it all, the crying seems so trivial and even the star bakers to be fair. The defining moments were the late-night dinners, the down time where we would just mess about, and the laughs I had with everyone. 

Funniest moment in the tent throughout your time there? 

There were plenty of hilarious moments in the tent, but one that I still laugh about is when Dylan came last in the biscuit week technical. It was like being in school again and trying not to burst into laughter while the whole class is silent. It wasn’t even funny, but I just couldn’t help myself. And the cherry on top was Paul knocking a biscuit against the table, which we predicted he would do. They did look awful to be fair, and I certainly let him know it! No one else finds this moment entertaining.

What do you love most about all your fellow bakers

I love that despite how different we all seem on first glance; we all just somehow get each other. It’s a privilege to know such kind and interesting people from different backgrounds and share this experience with them. They’ve taught me so many new perspectives and ideas, and I’m lucky to have made such amazing friends! I mean, there’s got to be something wrong with you if you love baking this much.

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

I like how the tent pushed you to your limit, encouraged stepping out of your comfort zone and really gave way to reaching new creative heights. After all the briefs are ridiculous for a reason. I’ve come out a lot more confident in all aspects of my life overall. Honestly, it was all so worth it, it was the most unique and formative experience to spend time with such talented and kind people! In short, the real magic was the friends we made along the way.

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

I’m not going to lie and say it’s always fun and a walk in the park. You need to absolutely love baking and you can’t fake it. There will be moments where you’re crying on a kitchen floor, or stressed because you have 5 recipes to develop in the span of 3 days, and wondering why you even got yourself involved in such a crazy scheme. But there’ll be moments where you feel so proud of yourself, having the most fun of your life, having the best laughs with the most amazing people.  A deep passion for baking is genuinely all you need, so just apply because you’ll never know where it will take you!