The Great British Bake Off: the ninth Baker leaves the tent

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 the semi-final of The Great British Bake Off and the perfect time to put the bakers patisserie skills to the test.

In the Signature, the bakers had to dazzle with rich, buttery breakfast pastries, fit for a Parisian pâtisserie. In a theatrical Technical challenge their precision was tested as they tackled a Patisserie classic.

Finally, to earn their place in the final, the semi-finalists needed to create a stunning Entremet Fruit display.

And at the end of the ninth episode Alison announced that Christiaan was the Star Baker and Noel had the difficult job that no-one wants of telling Gill that she would be the ninth baker leaving the tent. 

After the announcement Gill said ‘Quite right too! Patisserie got me, but I  can’t be sad I have had the absolute best time,  brilliant. I can’t be sad !’

Prue  said: ‘I was so sorry to see Gill go she goes for such homely flavours which I absolutely love.’

Paul added: ‘It wasn’t the fact that Gill messed up it’s just that everyone else was that little bit better. She’s such a lovely lady and she represented the North and my part of the world extremely well.’

After leaving Gill talked about her time in the tent:

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

You know what, I might not be such a bad baker after all!

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

Best: Winning Star Baker in Pastry week with bakes dedicated to my husband and my Dad, it meant a lot.   Worst: Parkin-gate, had a mid-life moment with the baking powder – what an idiot

What’s next for you in the baking world?

Who knows – but I look forward to finding out what awaits

Favourite challenge overall and why.

I loved the 70s week tiered gateaux – got to have some fun with that one

Worst challenge and why?

Apart from all the technicals especially Parkin – I would say the tiramisu dessert – not good for a coffee hater

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

I knew I was going so I was ready for it – the others had absolutely excelled themselves and patisserie was always going to be my Achilles heel – Finicky Jeopardy!!

I couldn’t feel anything but happy – I got far further than I thought I would and I enjoyed every single minute (well except the parkin!)

Funniest moment in the tent throughout your time there?

Dylan falling off his stool!

What do you love most about all your fellow bakers

The kindness that we all showed to each other – everyone came together when needed to make sure everyone was supported.

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

An overwhelming, joyful rollercoaster of a ride - and eleven new friends

Oh and a lovely bowl of course!

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

Have a go, you never know. I applied to basically shut my sister up thinking I would apply and get nowhere – and look what happened!