Car mechanic Andy has been the latest to leave The Great British Bake Off during pastry week. In the Channel 4 show’s 15th series, week five saw the contestants tasked with creating 12 frangipane tarts for the signature bake, while a technical challenge set by Paul Hollywood required them to make a Greek pie.
The showstopper finale involved crafting a Paris-Brest centrepiece complete with an edible stand, gateau, choux pastry ring and at least one custard filling. Despite placing last in the technical challenge, Gill clinched the title of star baker, whereas Andy had to bid farewell after Dame Prue Leith commented that he “didn’t have a good week”.
Dylan triumphed in the technical challenge, earning praise from Hollywood for his bake’s “great flavours and great textures”. Post-elimination, Dame Prue expressed her regret over Andy’s departure: “It’s so sad to see Andy go. I adore the guy, but he just didn’t have a good week.”
Andy reflected on his exit, saying: “(It’s) just sad you know, I have had such a fantastic time, I have had so many laughs. But that’s the standard, c’est la vie.”
The 44 year old is keen to pursue a baking career post-show, aiming to start by sharing his creations on social media.
He remarked: “I’d like to think that I could do something in the baking world and make it my career. Probably start baking on social media and introduce the world to my bakes and flavours.”
Andy, the latest baker to leave the tent, expressed his feelings about his departure: “Doing demos or even something within the media or tv, I’d be blessed and grateful of any opportunity.”
He added optimistically, “Hopefully I can bring some joy to people and encourage everyone, even mechanics, to bake.”
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Despite the disappointment, Andy acknowledged the timing of his exit: “I was so sad that I was leaving, I knew that it was right and I’d prepared myself for the decision.”
He reflected on his performance with a hint of regret: “I had so much more to give and I felt I let myself down by not executing my bakes as well as I have previously.”
The emotional toll of the competition became apparent as he confessed: “I was very emotional doing the showstopper and I couldn’t get my mind focused. The tent can emotionally affect you without realising.”
Fans can catch Andy next on ‘The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice’ with Jo Brand and Tom Allen, airing Thursday, October 24 on Channel 4 at 8.00pm. Meanwhile, the beloved baking series is set to return for its 15th season next week on the same channel.
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