Gary, a 67-year-old retired garment technologist, has become the seventh baker to leave The Great British Bake Off.
Gary was eliminated at the end of ‘free from’ week, where contestants were set the challenge of producing a bake that was gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan, while still making sure their finished creation delivered on flavour.
Presenter Noel Fielding announced that Gabe had been declared Star Baker of the week, while co-host Alison Hammond told Gary that his time in the Bake Off tent was over.
Gary said: “It’s all right, don’t worry, no worries. I am really, really proud, yeah, I just didn’t expect to get this far. My main aim was to get to week three, and now it’s my turn to go.”
Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood said: “I will miss my doppelganger,” and told Gary: “You can’t carry on wearing the same colour shirts as me every week!”
Gary ended with: “This is probably one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life. Yes, it has – it’s been brilliant.”
Reflecting on his exit, he added that “free from” had been his least favourite challenge of the competition because it was not something he had practised a lot at home.
Asked how he felt when he was told he would be leaving, Gary added: “I felt it before they told me, as I had the down feeling.
“So when I was told it was no surprise. We had a group hug and I got some lovely kind messages after.”
Gary found his love of baking later in life, after buying his first cookbook in a gift shop five years ago.
He was born and raised in Chesterfield and now lives in Nottinghamshire with his wife of more than 30 years, Donna.
The Great British Bake Off continues next Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4.
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