The Great British Bake Off: The Second 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 ten episodes.

In Tuesday’s night’s episode of The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4, Tom was named Star Baker and sadly Leighton was the second baker to leave the 16th series.

In Week 2 it was Biscuit week and the 11 bakers had their first opportunity to impress the judges Paul and Prue to battle it out for Star Baker.   This week the Bakers kicked off with a slice and bake biscuit signature, before taking on a classic chocolate hobnob technical. Finally, it was a biscuit time capsule showstopper, as the bakers created their favourite mementos all out of biscuit.

At the end of the second episode Alison announced that Tom was Star Baker and Noel had the difficult job of telling Leighton that he would be leaving the tent, 

Leighton said:  ‘I know I know, but someone had to go right?  I have had the most fun on Bake Off – I have loved it! I mean I have had the opportunity and then I come up against these amazing Bakers.’

Leighton here talks about his experience after leaving the tent:

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

My best moment in the tent was when Paul actually liked my orange slice-and-bake biscuit. I was completely surprised—and absolutely thrilled. It’s not every day you get a nod from Paul Hollywood, so I’ll be holding onto that one!   My worst moment? Without a doubt, the chocolate hobnob biscuits. They were a disaster. My feathering looked more like concrete paving slabs than delicate decoration. I knew it wasn’t my finest hour.

*Favourite challenge overall and why.

My favourite challenge was the technical Fondant Fancy. I’d never made them before, so it was completely new territory for me—but that’s exactly what made it so enjoyable. It was fun, fiddly, and just the right amount of chaos! I loved the precision it required, and even though it was a bit of a rollercoaster, I came away feeling like I’d really learned something. 

*Worst challenge and why?

My worst challenge was definitely the biscuit memory box. It was such a lovely idea in theory—but in practice, it was a race against the clock from the very start. I had all these meaningful memories I wanted to bring to life, but the time just vanished. In the end, it felt like I was throwing biscuits together in a panic rather than telling a story. That dreadful clock got to me again! It was one of those moments where the vision in your head doesn’t quite make it onto the judging table.

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

I felt really sad when Noel said I was going home. In that moment, it felt like I’d let myself down. I was so ecstatic just to make it into the tent, and I’m incredibly proud of myself for doing something so far outside my comfort zone. But I couldn’t help feeling like I hadn’t quite got going—I was really looking forward to pastry and bread weeks, and it was tough knowing I wouldn’t get the chance to show what I could do.   That said, the other bakers were amazing. They rallied around me with hugs, kind words, and so much support. It reminded me that Bake Off isn’t just about the bakes—it’s about the people, the friendships, and the shared experience. I may have left the tent, but I gained a whole new baking family.

*Funniest moment in the tent throughout your time there?

The funniest moment in the tent for me was Alison and Noel helping me with my landscape cake.  One was rotating the turn table with the cake on it and the other was trying to wreck my Mumbles seascape.  It was completely bonkers.

*Did you have a costume disaster any week in the tent, and did you have a lucky T shirt/Top you wore?

No costume disasters, thankfully—but I did have a couple of lucky charms with me every week in the tent.  I always had my lucky pocket penguin stone that was always in my pocket that my niece Bethan gave to me.  She said I could hold it at any time and know that everyone was behind me wanting me to just do my best.

I also wore my lucky bread socks and I brought along my lucky tea towel from Wisconsin, both were a gift from my friends Patti and Anna when I left the USA. It was a little reminder of times gone by, friendship, and all the people who’ve supported me on this journey. 

*Would you wear any of Noel’s jumpers or shirts?

Only if I were blindfolded and had lost all sensory perception! Noel’s wardrobe is a wild ride—brilliant on him, but I think I’ll stick to my own style. 

*Did you do anything daft with Noel during your time in the tent, and did you get to either sing or dance with Alison?

Oh, absolutely! I nearly died when Noel decided to “help” me with my biscuit showstopper. It needed to cool down, and in true Noel fashion, he said, “Shall I blow you from behind?” I was mortified—and trying to keep a straight face at the same time. Classic Noel. Totally unfiltered and completely brilliant.

As for Alison—she tried to get me dancing right in the middle of biscuit week’s showstopper. I started to join in (how could you not?), but then I realised I was miles behind on my bake and had to snap back to reality. I would’ve loved to dance more with her.

*What do you love most about all your fellow bakers

What I loved most was how incredibly different we all were—each person brought their own personality, style, and story to the tent. The range of knowledge, experience, and creativity was just amazing. I was constantly inspired by the ideas people came up with and the beautiful bakes they produced. It felt like being part of a living, breathing cookbook I learned so much during my time in the whole process and I feel very lucky to have shared the tent with such a brilliant bunch.

*Did anything from the tent happen to slip into your travel bag when you were leaving (no judging)

Nope—I’m a good boy who always follows the rules… most of the time! I left with only memories, of my apron covered in every colour of butter cream, and a heart full of gratitude. 

*What will you take away from your experience on Bake Off and do you feel that you have learned new skills?

Oh my, I’ve learned so many new skills since being part of Bake Off. Even though I left earlier than I’d hoped, prepared every single bake for every episode—just to prove to myself that I could do it. And I did.

From mastering techniques I’d never tried before to thinking more creatively about flavours and presentation, the whole experience pushed me in the best possible way. I’ve come away more confident, more curious, and more passionate than ever about baking. It’s been a whirlwind—but one I’ll never forget.  I’m just so eager to do more with baking and having fun at the same time. Spreading the baking joy would be my dream job. 

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

Definitely. My advice? Always say yes. Just do it. Don’t overthink it—fill in the application and give it your best shot. I wish anyone applying the very best of luck, because there is no experience quite like stepping into that tent.

It’s more than just a baking competition—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to challenge yourself, grow, and become part of the most wonderful, supportive baking family. If you love baking, go for it. You won’t regret it.

*What’s next for you in the baking world?

Now that’s a good one – I want to learn more and more.  And I’d love to help others with their sourdough bread etc.  But who knows how I could do that……Honestly, I just want to keep learning—there’s always something new to discover in baking, whether it’s mastering a new technique or experimenting with flavours I’ve never tried before.

I’d also love to help others, especially when it comes to sourdough. Finty (my starter) has already travelled far and wide, and I’d really enjoy sharing what I’ve learned about making sourdough with others who are just starting their own sourdough journeys. I love making all kinds of pastry too – I’d love to show people how to make delicious cinnamon buns or apple Danish.  If I could find a mix of baking with interacting with people, that would be my dream.  How I’ll do that… who knows? But if there’s a way to combine teaching, baking,, demo-ing and a bit of fun—I’m all in!

Biography

Leighton

59

Surrey 

Software Delivery Manager

With a mathematical mind, Leighton is guided in both life and baking by the approach that ‘anything can be done with a formula’. Originally from Swansea, proud Welshman Leighton has always done things his own way, ignoring anyone that told him ‘boys don’t bake’! He grew up playing the organ at his local church and now lives in Surrey with his Californian husband Eric and their Irish Terrier, Cilla. Leighton plays tennis four times a week, supports several animal charities, and is usually found belting Les Mis while baking (much to his neighbours' dismay!). He likes to play with traditional Welsh/British and American flavours, with favourites like Welsh cakes with peanut butter and Victoria Sponge with key lime pie filling.

An Extra Slice

Leighton will join Jo Brand and Tom Allen on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice on 

Friday 12 September on Channel 4 at 8.00 pm.