The Great British Bake Off: The third baker leaves the tent

9 October 2024

In Tuesday’s night’s episode of The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4, Dylan was named Star Baker and John was the third 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 3 of The Great British Bake Off it was Bread Week. For the Signature challenge, the Bakers were tasked with making savoury buns, aiming to rise to the occasion and impress the judges. In the Technical, the Bakers were in for a treat as ‘The Breadfather’ himself, Paul Hollywood, took the spotlight for a rare demonstration.  Finally, the Bakers were asked to create showstopping Horns of Plenty, filling them with an array of delectable delights.

At the end of the third episode Alison announced that Dylan was the Star Baker and Noel had the difficult job of telling John that he would be the third Baker leaving the tent. 

 

John said: ‘It is fine, it was expected, it was just a bad week this week.   It’s just how it is.  Because everyone is so talented you drop the ball and then it is your time to go.  From being the first star baker of this season, then to having a really good week last week…. The tears are tears of pride, yeah.’

 

Here John talks about his time in the tent.

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

I have learned that if you set your mind to it and really believe in yourself, then anything is achievable.

 

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

It’s still a pinch me moment that I am the first Star Baker of Series 15! The worst moment has to be sinking bagels… I have always baked bagels and never had that issue! In fact I bake bread pretty often without any issues but as you know, everything I baked on bread week was a disaster! It was certainly an overwhelming day!

 

What’s next for you in the baking world?

I am so excited to continue learning new skills and can’t wait to continue sharing my love of baking with the world. However, the first thing I’m going to arrange is a visit to Paul for a plaited loaf masterclass!

 

Favourite challenge overall and why.

My favourite challenge was Cake week’s Technical. It was so fun being the first bakers to start with a finished cake to have to go on and replicate. We made a little Bake Off history in that challenge!

 

Worst challenge and why?

Bread Showstopper! From start to finish it was just not going my way at all! From not adding in enough fruit to my lemon buns to sunken bagels. Alison was my saviour in that challenge and I’ll always be grateful!

 

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

I already knew my time in the series had ended sooner than I wanted ,  so when my name was announced, whilst I was heartbroken, I had made peace with it already. If anyone else’s name had been called I think I would have jumped off my stool told the Judges they were wrong. My Baking besties all give the best hugs, and to have them by my side was all I needed.

 

Funniest moment in the tent throughout your time there?

I am pretty sure most of us will all say the same thing… Dylan falling off his stool during judging! Only Dylan could fall off a stool whilst being sat still. Hilarious!

 

What do you love most about all your fellow bakers

I love that we all have each other’s backs and best interests at heart. We all talk daily in our group chat and have done since the first day of meeting. I can’t imagine not having them in my life and I am so grateful.

 

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

Bake Off has changed my life forever. It has given me the confidence to believe in myself and to know that I am good enough to achieve whatever I want in life. I’m also very happy to be taking away 11 friends for life!

 

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

I genuinely believe that any home baker with a love and passion for baking should apply. We are all home bakers and whilst some of the challenges might seem daunting when you watch them on television, you’ve already got the skills to do it. Follow your passion, give it some love and believe in yourself. Apply now!