TWO bakers leave the tent!
Category: Press PackThe nation’s most famous tent was pitched in the grounds of Welford Park once again. Presenters Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas returned to lead the latest batch of 10 bakers through brand new challenges set by Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
In Tuesday’s night’s episode of The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4, Maxy was named Star Baker while Rebs 23 from Country Antrim, and James 25 from Cumbria both left the tent together.
It was Mexican week in the tent on The Great British Bake Off, and Prue and Paul set the bakers three challenges exploring authentic Mexican bakes.
The bakers put their twist on the classic sweet bread Pan Dulce, there was a Mexican street food staple in the technical, and they made their own showstopping version of the milk soaked Tres Leches cake.
At the end of the fourth episode Noel announced that Maxy was the Star Baker. Matt followed with the hardest job of announcing the two people leaving the tent this week are Rebs and James.
Rebs said: ‘Bake Off has been a fabulous experience, it’s just I didn’t want it to be cut this short. I am gutted for James as well, he is such a fabulous person. James added: ‘Well I think I went wrong across the board!’
Prue said: ‘Poor Rebs, but her flavours were just too strong, and too many of them. I am always sad to see bakers go, but particularly James. He had a rotten week and his Showstopper was a real disappointment.’ Paul added: ‘It’s hard in this tent, and next week we are half way through.’
James said about leaving the show: ‘You either love or hate Mexican food, so I think you would love or hate Mexican week. And I have to admit I hated it! Not sure if I will be eating Tacos for a while, I don’t think they will taste the same anymore! I think Matt must have found it hard to announce two bakers were leaving, but that night in the bar Rebs and I were looking forward to going on An Extra Slice together.
‘I started to doubt myself at the very beginning of this episode and then it just imploded from there. I hope I have done Scotland proud, and I did wear a kilt in the first week, when it was actually quite cold in the tent. I wanted to wear it in case I went in the first week! I am pleased to have made it to round 4, it’s almost half way through and I didn’t really dream that I would get this far. I still managed to leave with a smile on my face and I was looking forward to a bit of a rest!
‘My family have been so happy watching the show throughout and really supportive. I have been sharing with them the excitement of everyone messaging. It’s been a great experience and I really can’t wait to see An Extra Slice, I am so excited to meet Jo and Tom I must admit.’
Rebs said about leaving the show: ‘I think three of us Bakers were in danger, and poor James did have a nightmare. I was mainly sad because I didn’t get to do Dessert week, because that alongside Bread Week were the weeks I was most looking forward to. I was looking forward to Bread Week as everybody loved my bread recipes at home, and the same for Dessert Week. So out of all bakes in prep for the show the family loved my Dessert Showstopper. But it wasn’t it to be, everything happens for a reason. In Northern Ireland there is an expression what’s for you won’t go by you. But I got to take home an amazing experience and a whole new family.
‘The other thing I won’t forget is the enormous support from the other bakers during filming and through transmission. The love and support from everyone has been so good, and I learn from the Bakers every single day.
‘Coming from Northern Ireland I feel especially proud I got almost half way through and represented our wee country. I hope everyone back home is proud, regardless.
‘We had a big viewing party for Episode 1 and my sister was visiting Northern Ireland at the time, and we had friends from NI and England, and close neighbours so it ended up about 40 of us and it was so nice to be surrounded by everyone. My partner and his family in Northern Ireland have been so supportive and of course my family across the water.
‘After filming, it was great to get back home to my dog Tiggy a German wire haired pointer and of course Branston my gorgeous little cat - who both made it on screen in leading animal roles - Tiggy in Episode 1 and Branston in Episode 2. I keep telling them that they are TV stars. I worry that my dad as an animal lover, felt they both stole the show over me. I got the feeling he enjoyed seeing them more than me!
‘We used to do Mexican nights with my partner or my friends, but now I get a slight sick feeling about it all. The night in the bar at the hotel after we were eliminated was one of the best nights we had with all the other bakers: singing, dancing, Karaoke, drinking cocktails and eating burgers.
James and I did a dance to Does Your Mother Know by Abba.
‘I was so glad to be leaving with James and to do An Extra Slice together, we were in the same boat together, and there’s no better person to be in a boat with than James.’
James
Cumbria
Nuclear Scientist
Proud kilt-wearer James grew up in the east-end of Glasgow and moved to England after university. He is a self-proclaimed board- game geek and loves horror films from the 70s and 80s. An avid music fan, reflect in his baking style; which is now significantly better than it was during his childhood when he was burning pancakes in his mother’s kitchen! He enjoys the technical side of baking, but is in his element when he makes his bakes his own, with his signature ‘child-friendly horror’ style and adorable decoration. His favourite flavours are anything autumnal, such as mixed spice, apples and caramel.
Talking about his experience in the tent James said, “I enjoyed getting to eat the bakes – holy moly you have no idea how good it is to munch on the bakes on Bake Off during filming! We all gave up a lot to go on Bake Off and it’s the little things that get you pining for home, like being around family pets.
“From my experience in the tent I have learned to trust yourself: the times I did bad were the times I questioned what I was doing and comparing myself to other people.
“The best moment was the judges liking my macarons which legitimately shocked me, the worst was Maisam leaving the tent – I think we were all blindsided by that and she’s such a ray of sunshine that we all missed!
“For some reason my favourite challenge I loved was the pain au raisins. I just had so much fun with it and they were delicious, think I ate 3 from other bakers. My worst challenge was the Pain Dulces, without a doubt. I had zero idea what I was meant to be making and I knew that was the nail in the coffin.
“And the funniest moment in the tent was Syabira and Abdul making feathers instead of feathering – they were in front and behind me so I started to even doubt myself!
“I think we got an insight into working with television, but honestly the crew do so much to keep everything running, I can only thank them for their efforts – it is fuelled by passion for sure!
“One of the main things I will take away from Bake Off is that I have a baking family now – mentors and people much better than myself and I can’t wait to learn all the tricks they have. It feels like I’ve found where I’m meant to be.
“I don’t know what is next for me in the baking world, but Bake Off has been very humbling and I’m acutely aware I have long ways to go to be a proper baker, so I aim to take evening classes. Hopefully, I can make myself into a baker and have it as a job – I’ve never felt more at home or happier than spending hours making cakes and instead of making me detest baking, I’ve never felt more inspired to improve after Bake Off.”
Q&A with James:
*How much did you practice at home before going into the tent and how did you juggle that with life and work?
I locked myself away like someone avoiding the fuzz and forgot what daylight looked like. Even at work, my mind was on baking and I absolutely burned the candle from both ends and through the middle to stay on top of everything.
*How big is your love of baking and how many hours would you bake a week?
On a normal week, I probably bake about 12 hours – it is my 2nd favourite thing to do, with eating it being my 1st favourite. If it wasn’t for having friends with such enticing banter, I’d never leave the kitchen.
*Did you pack a lucky item for your stay?
I packed a whopping 2 lucky items – I cannot express how much I needed luck on my side. There’s a ring I kept on me that I wear every day made from a teaspoon, and a cat necklace that my gran owned. She passed away last year so I figured if she’s being all spooky and ghost like, she’d enjoy seeing the Bake Off tent.
*Can you describe the bakers as a group this year, and are you all on a what’s app group
The bakers this year are next level, the standard was so difficult to maintain and I think we all felt the pressure of that. We are in a WhatsApp group, it’s like group therapy for those that have lost control of their baking impulses – I love it.
*How nervous were you when Paul and Prue started judging the first signature challenge and how did it feel when they judged the technical challenge?
Until the first signature, I have never been terrified of a fashionable, sophisticated distinguished lady, but Prue struck fear into me. What they say is reasonable so I just felt grateful for their feedback and tips on how to improve – I’ve never had that sort of mentoring.
*Is Paul Hollywood scary in real life and how did you cope with the blue eyed stare?
He reminds me of a mascot, sort of adorable and probably won’t harm you yet there’s always that “what if?” brought on by his imposing presence. I’d like to think I dealt okay with it, but every time he even looked near me I was in fight-or-flight mode.
*Having watched Bake Off in the past, was the first day in the tent what you expected?
The first day exhausted me, nothing can prepare you for the energy required to do all that under so much pressure – in a masochistic way I think I enjoyed it? It was everything I’d hoped it would be and more.
*If you could travel back in time what year/decade would you like to go back to and why
Absolutely not the 70s, ‘everything in jelly’ is not for me. Maybe something like 500BC? I’d love to know how things have changed, like is sourdough the same? How did people bake to keep food fresh longer? What is considered a treat in a society without much sugar?
*What was it like having the team clean up for you after all your bakes. Did you feel guilty if you made a mess?
Never before have I felt so terrible – I hate people doing things for me and I apologised every time for the insane mess I made and did offer to help. Not going to lie, I’m happy it wasn’t me cleaning it though because… yikes!
*Who is your baking inspiration and what age did you start baking?
My all time idol is Claire Saffitz, I think she has amazing taste and a niche for making recipes that are challenging yet logical enough to follow. On paper, I started baking at about 5 by making pancakes with my mum, in reality it would have been when I was about 19 that I started properly churning out more elaborate baking.
*The Bake Off family is a very exclusive club, how do you feel now being a new member?
The Bake Off family has no idea what’s hit them, they will all be force fed my bakes and receive my awful banter – good luck guys.
*The warmth and love you get in the Tent is a very special feeling, what is the nicest thing in baking you have done for anyone/or given them
This may speak to the unique nature of my friend group but I have baked for my mate’s baby showers and that felt really special. But this did entail a cake where a devil baby is bursting out of the “delivery orifice” – but that’s just how we roll!
* What is the cake you get asked to make the most for friends and family?
Brownies are a hit but most seem to enjoy the excitement of something new so just let me do whatever.
*If you were a cake topper what would you be and why?
Maybe I’d be a cowboy hat? I do love the cowboy look and have been a huge fan of Orville Peck for a while.
*On a Bake Off Island you are allowed to take one utensil – what would it be?
We’re baking: a good whisk. If we’re surviving: a big, sharp knife. Maybe it’s paradise but maybe it’s Lord of the Flies, who knows?
*In three words how would you describe yourself?
Very, very loud.
*And how would your friends describe you?
The optimist in me would say lovely things, in reality they probably think I’m a barely functioning mass of flesh that defied both probability and the will of the public by appearing on Bake Off.
*Are there any spices or flavours that you really dislike? and why…
I hate banana, cannot stand it! That period of lockdown where people made nothing but banana bread? Legitimate chills. It is just so mushy, gross and, fun fact, slightly radioactive.
*When baking in the kitchen at home what music do you have on in the background, or is it just the hum of the fridge?
Nothing beats a good tune and some baking. It’ll either be: Florence and the Machine, Orville Peck or (if I’m in the mood for becoming a stage star) Sara Bareilles’ soundtrack to Waitress.
*Does it all seem a bit surreal that you have joined The Great British Bake Off family?
Nothing in my life has felt stranger or less deserved, I have been watching Bake Off since I was a child and many of the bakers are my idols and role models – I cannot believe we’ve walked the same path!
*Do you think work colleagues and friends will be shocked to see you on TV?
First they will be shocked, but then I just know I’ll have them messaging me with memes of myself so I’m sure they won’t be too star-struck by little, old me.
* What do you think it will be like watching yourself on television. Are you looking forward to it or terrified?
When I chatted to the bakers, I said I didn’t want to watch myself on TV. But then they pointed out I need to do my homework for Extra Slice. So I’m going to watch it in the dark, with my phone off, alone, reliving the stress of the tent . And seeing what the other bakers got up to in the tent as you are so focussed on what you are baking you aren’t aware of what else is happening .
Rebs
County Antrim
Masters Student
Rebs spent her childhood in the countryside in Northern Ireland and loves everything to do with Irish culture – she can Irish dance and play the tin whistle. Her earliest baking memory is of being a child, aged only three years old, helping her mum in the kitchen, and of eating her granny’s renowned lemon meringue pies! More recently, she returned to baking as a way to unwind from the stress of a busy life in the tech world. Flavour is paramount for her, and she has more recently started to play around with Middle Eastern ingredients – in a nod to her boyfriend, Jack’s Turkish family heritage.
Speaking about her experience in the tent Rebs said, “Filming was such a surreal experience! Once you see what it takes to make your favourite shows you definitely get a newfound sense of respect for everyone involved because it is INTENSE. I think my favourite thing about filming was just messing about with the other bakers, having craic on and off screen and just making genuinely good friends.
“Although I have to say I missed my family, partner and my pets while I was away. I found the whole experience pretty overwhelming and if I had had my wee cat to cuddle at night maybe I would’ve calmed down a bit more and got a little less emotional.
“To keep it a secret, I told my friends I was on a ‘work project’ in England. Alongside university I had been working in marketing for a Dubai-based smart solutions company and I just told everyone I had a big top-secret work project to do over there.
“I think what I have learned most from the tent to just enjoy yourself! You never know when your journey in anything in life will come to an end, so, it’s better to try and enjoy every second and leave with no regrets! I also learned soooo many baking tips from the fabulous bakers, that you can’t please everyone with your bakes.
“The best moment has to be winning the technical in biscuit week! Janusz still laughs about me winning that because my biscuits were all breaking while I dipped them in chocolate and it was a complete disaster! He watched the chaos from the bench behind and was as shocked as I was that I won the challenge!
“There were soooo many worst moments to choose from! There was my ‘claggy’ red velvet, my wee branston macarons getting stuck to the tray me literally throwing the filling onto the broken macaron shells, my biscuit mask breaking TWICE in the showstopper, missing bread week because I wasn’t well, me realising my conchas topping was so so wrong while they were in the oven, my chocolate ganache disaster in my tres leches cake, want me to continue? I think I had an array of terrible moments with a few glints of success. I don’t think I actually showed the quality of my baking skill because I was so overwhelmed in the environment and the time pressure. Beyond my own disasters, it was a pretty terrible feeling in the tent when Maisam left in week 2. She is an amazing, inspirational young lady and I really wanted the world to see more of her sweet soul.
“I am not sure what is for me next in the baking world, but I have big plans of things I’d like to achieve but it’ll take a lot of work and luck to get there. My dream would be to be part of baking/cooking related TV shows, just in a less pressured environment than the big white tent!
“My favourite challenge to practice was the surprise inside dessert because it was my favourite bake to eat! In the tent, my favourite challenge has to be the garibaldis because, thanks to Carole keeping me on track, they got the best feedback and Janusz and I had such a laugh that entire week together!
“Naturally I’d say the Mexican week challenges were the worst for me! I struggled most with these challenges because I had never made any pan dulce or a tres leches cake before and so you’ve nothing to compare your bakes to until they’re being judged alongside everyone else.
“However, there were a lot of funny moments in the tent sadly not caught on camera, a lot of NSFW moments that I can’t repeat! My eyes have been well and truly opened since filming! Big respect to everyone on and off camera in the industry because it is INTENSE. I now see TV shows in similar formats and can just imagine exactly what the behind-the-scenes is like, what questions their story producers have asked, etc, can never watch TV the same way again!
“I am taking away so many memories from the tent and friends for life!!! I’m also taking with me a much wider breadth of baking knowledge and skills and, perhaps, even a zester and spatula from the famous tent…”
GBBO SERIES 13: Q&A with Rebs
*How much did you practice at home before going into the tent and how did you juggle that with life and work?
The weeks building up to the show were hectic! It was far more intense than I was expecting having to design and create my own recipes to hit every brief with multiple recipe deadlines each week. I did practice a lot to be fair, thankfully my uni course doesn’t have a lot of contact hours as most days were spent in the kitchen!
*How big is your love of baking and how many hours would you bake a week?
I love baking for various reasons, mainly the satisfaction of making something start-to-finish from scratch but also the joy it gives people around me to get to eat everything I make! I am a keen cook as well as a keen baker and so I find myself constantly in the kitchen, it’s my happy place for sure.
The length of time I spend baking heavily depends on how busy the rest of my life is, I could have a free week and bake every day or have a jam-packed week and just be able to squeeze in some cupcakes or a quick crumble for dessert on one of the days.
*Did you pack a lucky item for your stay?
My partner’s granny gave me a wooden spoon to take with me that said ‘Ah sure it’ll be grand’ which made its way onto set so I guess this was my lucky item?
*Can you describe the bakers as a group this year, and are you all on a what’s app group?
The bakers this year are just GORGEOUS individuals. Everyone has their own wee quirks and sense of humour that mean we just have such a laugh. I would say it’s such an eclectic group of people this year with everyone coming from different paths, all bound by a love for baking.
There is a WhatsApp group still going strong where we share all our bakes, life news and tips and tricks for the kitchen.
*How nervous were you when Paul and Prue started judging the first signature challenge and how did it feel when they judged the technical challenge?
I didn’t even feel present in my body the first time they judged me, it’s so weird to see them up close! The technical judging is brutal, honestly, it’s anxiety central just waiting to hear your fate.
*Is Paul Hollywood scary in real life and how did you cope with the blue eyed stare?
Yes. Thankfully, Prue’s entire aura is just very calming and homely.
*Having watched Bake Off in the past, was the first day in the tent what you expected?
It’s hard to know what to expect going into the tent. There are far more people in that small space than you would ever imagine and it is very chaotic. Also, the weather! Nightmare!
*If you could travel back in time what year/decade would you like to go back to and why [related to baking, ie anything retro]
I think I would go back to pre-electricity days and do everything really old-school in wood-fired ovens. Bread tastes best when cooked traditionally I think.
*What was it like having the team clean up for you after all your bakes. Did you feel guilty if you made a mess?
Oh my days! It was so so good to have a team to clear up the mess but I did feel so guilty leaving such chaos in my wake.
*Who is your baking inspiration and what age did you start baking?
When I was very small I used to ‘help’ my mum bake and at university my flatmate and I would make flapjacks (the only thing we could afford to bake) but it wasn’t until about 2020 that I properly got in to baking.
My baking inspiration comes from all over. My grannies and aunt were all good bakers in my family and my partner’s granny is a fabulous baker. If I am looking for baking inspo though I tend to turn to Instagram as there are thousands and thousands of incredible talented bakers sharing insight into their craft.
*The Bake Off family is a very exclusive club, how do you feel now being a new member?
It still feels like a dream! I can’t wait to meet all the family from past series as they have been literal icons for me.
*The warmth and love you get in the Tent is a very special feeling, what is the nicest thing in baking you have done for anyone/or given them
I love to celebrate my friends and family special occasions, and love a holiday excuse to bake for them. Last Christmas I made up loads of boxes of different flavoured brownies and posted them out to all my family and friends and the year before I made Christmas themed cupcakes. For Valentine’s I made little treat boxes for all my girlfriends too. I think during the depths of lockdown getting a wee box of baked goods delivered to their doors really cheered everyone up.
* What is the cake you get asked to make the most for friends and family?
I get asked to make my spiced apple cupcakes most by friends and family – they just go mad for them! Not a cake but I also get asked a lot to make a crumble and custard, a firm family fav.
*If you were a cake topper what would you be and why?
If I was a cake topper I would definitely be one that’s bright and sparkly! And definitely one of those sparkler candles that you set alight and they just go off
*On a Bake Off Island you are allowed to take one utensil – what would it be?
This is a hard one! If I could take all the attachments (whisk, chopper, etc) I’d take my handheld blender but maybe that answer is cheating..
I would maybe take a spatula? Multi-purpose, easily cleaned and can be used as a weapon in case things get nasty on Bake Off island!!
*In three words how would you describe yourself?
Outgoing, chaotic and loving.
Outgoing – will strike up a conversation with literally anyone
Chaotic – just watch the show and this becomes clear…
Loving – I have so much love for every single person in my life!
*And how would your friends describe you?
I texted my friends there now for an answer to this and this is what I got back:
Hilarious; Generous; Caring; Supportive; Messy
*Are there any spices or flavours that you really dislike? and why…
I’ve never really been a fan of marzipan or liquorice, I’m not sure why!
*When baking in the kitchen at home what music do you have on in the background, or is it just the hum of the fridge?
Oh trust me there’s tunes playing when I’m baking! I like something to dance along to, anything from ABBA, to Camillo Cabello, to Maneskin, just whatever comes on shuffle!
*Does it all seem a bit surreal that you have joined The Great British Bake Off family?
It’s beyond surreal, I am still waiting for it to sink in! will it ever?
*Do you think work colleagues and friends will be shocked to see you on TV?
I think so! I keep thinking about people I haven’t seen in years just popping on Channel 4 and seeing my face and freaking out, cracks me up!
* What do you think it will be like watching yourself on television. Are you looking forward to it or terrified?
I’m proper terrified to see it on TV. I think I was so overwhelmed with anxiety and stress while I was there that I’ll not even recognise myself. Hopefully I’ll not be too annoying to watch. I am excited to see my other 11 besties on TV though!