Disaster hit the Great British Bake Off tent during Bread Week last night, with judge Paul Hollywood calling it “probably the worst technical” challenge he has ever seen on the show.
Tuesday’s episode (13 October) saw the remaining bakers take on the technical challenge of making flatbreads with roasted grapes and blue cheese – however, several of the contestants failed to impress dough king Hollywood.
Many of the bakers turned in raw flatbreads, with fellow judge Nigella Lawson left struggling to eat one competitor’s messy dish. “It’s just difficult. I don’t know what to do. I’m panicking!” she said.
“Someone has given up and just thrown the grapes on top,” the celebrity chef noted of another baker’s flatbreads.
Hollywood told the group: “It’s probably the worst technical I think I’ve seen in 17 years.”
The signature challenge required bakers to craft the “ultimate” garlic bread, before the showstopper tasked them with an “exquisite display of enriched bread” featuring a large centrepiece and a celebratory theme.
The tent saw a double departure, as Molly was voted off after failing to impress the judges, while Nikki departed the contest due to personal reasons. Hairdresser Tom, meanwhile, was named star baker following the three demanding challenges.
Nikki, an advertising post-producer, left the programme mid-episode after her mother "took a turn for the worse" that week.
The 50-year-old from London said: “I wasn’t able to complete two out of the three challenges, but at that moment, there was absolutely nowhere else I wanted or needed to be.
“Being with my mum during her final days was the most important thing in the world to me, and I wouldn’t have changed that decision for anything.
“Although it was a difficult time, I’m incredibly grateful for the memories I made in the tent and for the opportunity to have been part of such a special experience.”
Accessibility co-ordinator Molly was revealed as the third baker to leave the 17th series, after failing to convince judges Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson with her bread. Following her elimination, the 31-year-old from London said: “I am sad to be leaving the tent, but I think it’s my time and it’s the right decision.”
After telling her fellow contestants they have “more to prove”, she added: “I really wanted to do biscuit week and bread week, and I got to bake with my husband in the tent.
“It’s been a really wonderful experience and I am really proud of myself. I have learned so much, thank you.”
Reflecting on her time on the programme, Molly said: "I’ve definitely learned how to bake and not put so much pressure on myself. Because of that, I find some of the things I used to find the hardest and take the most time are a much nicer process now.”
The Great British Bake Off continues next Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4.
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