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

30 October 2024

In Tuesday’s night’s episode of The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4, Sumayah was named Star Baker and Nelly was the sixth 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.

As The Great British Bake Off reached its midway point, the competition heated up just as the seasons shift, with autumn sweeping into the tent. This week, the bakers faced three seasonal based challenges, fit for any autumn evening by the fire.

In the signature challenge, they demonstrated their pastry prowess with a sweet, autumn-inspired pie. The technical had them making a vegan version of a traditional Northern classic, whilst the showstopper celebrated seasonal vegetables, transformed into stunning celebration cakes.

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

 

After the announcement Nelly said:   ‘It’s not commiseration, it is a positive, I am so ready to leave.  I never ever thought I would get to round 6!   I know my children are so proud.  It’s not to teach them to win it is to teach them to enjoy.  Don’t cry!   Everyone is crying… Of course I am happy - in each of your heart is a piece of Nelly and you are never going to forget me.   Cake – we can bake!’

 

Nelly said after leaving the tent:

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

I learnt who I am!   And that I’m worthy!

 

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

The best was me leaving as I was ready to go to see my family and they were ready for me to come home.   I was so happy that I went and Dylan stayed…. I couldn’t wish for a better ending!

 

What’s next for you in the baking world?

 I don’t have expectations really… but there are so many people who would love to see more of Nelly on the telly … so we will see what the future will bring….. I  am ready !!!! I’m ready to be me.

 

Favourite challenge overall and why.

Bread week . Technical…. You know my childhood  was very difficult and we have been making bread for living among other products - sooo when I got 1st on bread week in the technical from the king of bread ?????  That was a winner for me!!!

 

Worst challenge and why?

None of the challenges were the worst….. they all had been challenging and different… but very rewarding… and I learnt a lot from it .

 

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 ready to leave and felt it was my time to go.  Noel had the role of sending me home and he found that so difficult.  I was looking at him and trying to support him with my eyes to say it is ok.  But he couldn’t look at me, he was genuinely upset.  The production team were crying and it really touched my heart so much.

 

Funniest moment in the tent throughout your time there? 

When Dylan fell off his stool - that day was so dramatic… so the end when he fell -  bless him was just the cherry on top of the cake

 

What do you love most about all your fellow bakers

That we are all different and we have still so much in common.  It is amazing how Love Productions cast us from different parts of the UK with different backgrounds and cultures.  We will be friends for life.

 

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

That my Bake Off family has changed my life .

 

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

ABSOLUTELY…IF  I can do it anyone can!!! I’m just a basic woman with basic skills… and look at me and how much I did achieve….. anyone can do it.