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 Nigella Lawson, in ten episodes.

In Tuesday’s night’s episode of The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4, Clara was named Star Baker and sadly Shannon was the second baker to leave the 17th series in Week 3. 

In Week 3 it was Audience Choice Week and the 11 bakers had to impress the judges Paul and Nigella to battle it out for Star Baker. 

For the first time ever on The Great British Bake Off, the viewers were in charge! Audience Choice Week hit the tent, and the Bakers had no idea what to expect.

As if 11 Bakers weren’t enough, the Signature saw an invasion of familiar faces into the tent. Meanwhile, the iconic gingham cloth is replaced by a mystery box in the Technical, but was having too much choice prove to be the Bakers’ downfall?  Then, Milan, Paris and London were given a run for their money as the Bakers unleashed their inner fashionistas in a Showstopper challenge like no other: wearable bakes.

At the end of the third episode Noel announced that Clara was Star Baker and Alison had the difficult job of telling Shannon that she would be leaving the tent, 

Shannon said  ‘It’s so hard to put into words what this has meant to me.  I have become myself if anything, and I have let go of any persona of who I wish I was.  I have just really been me and it has been life changing.   That is the word life changing, and I don’t want to say goodbye to anyone!.’

Shannon then cheekily asked Paul for a handshake to say goodbye, and gets one!

Shannon talks here about her experience after leaving the tent:

*Overall what was your standout moment in the Tent?

My standout moment was definitely during Biscuit Week. When I presented my showstopper, I received the most wonderful comments, Nigella was so lovely and so sweet, and Paul… honestly, I thought he was about to give me a handshake. I was ready for it. He didn’t in the end, but I still remember that moment as such a positive one. I felt so proud of myself. Hearing that feedback made me feel on top of the world.

*Favourite challenge overall and why.

My favourite challenge has to be the cheesecake challenge with my mum in Audience Choice Week.   Sharing that moment with her was so special, it’s something I’ll treasure forever. Everyone kept commenting on how similar we are, and no one could believe she was actually my mum. We’re definitely more like sisters, and I love that. Having a young mum is amazing, but it’s even better when people genuinely think she’s my sister. It was such a lovely experience baking side by side, and it felt surreal having her in the tent with me. I also loved meeting everyone’s plus‑one bakers, the tent was full of so much love and excitement. It felt so empty once they all went home, but that challenge gave me beautiful memories I’ll always remember.

*Least favourite challenge and why?

My least favourite challenge was my portrait cake, simply because I never got the chance to finish it. It was honestly going so well, and I could see the vision coming together, but it just wasn’t meant to be. I genuinely believe that if the situation had been different and I’d been able to complete it, it would have let me shine that little bit more, maybe even given me a better chance of staying in the competition. I also don’t think I really got the opportunity to show off my full skill set. I’m much more of a bread baker at heart, and it’s such a shame I didn’t get to demonstrate that properly. But even with that, it was still a fabulous experience, and I’m proud of what I did achieve.

*Can you describe how it felt when the Noel or Alison announced that you would be leaving the tent? How did your fellow Bakers cheer you up?

It was incredibly emotional. Deep down, I had a feeling it was coming, after the technical challenge, I just knew. I was gutted, especially because I’d originally planned to make lemon meringue pies or my chocolate fudge cake, and either of those might have saved me. The lemons just weren’t ripe enough, and they gave my cake a strange aftertaste. I thought my showstopper might pull me back, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough. 

The one thing that lifted me instantly was seeing my girl Clara get Star Baker. I was so proud of her, she absolutely deserved it after the week she had. Then Alison announced it was me going home. I held it together, even though inside I wanted to scream and burst into tears. I wanted to stay strong for the bakers. Everyone was shocked. They all came over to hug me, and they sang the cup song, our little tradition whenever someone left the tent. It meant the world. Alison and Noel ran over first and gave me the biggest squeeze. 

Nigella came over, looked me straight in the eyes, and told me what a lovely person I am and what a talented baker I am. My heart stopped. Hearing that from someone who has been such a huge inspiration to me… that moment alone was worth being in the tent. And I finally got my Nigella hug, what an honour. Paul came over and gave me a big squeeze too. It was so lovely meeting the king of bread. I think I let out a tear or two, but it wasn’t until my final interview that it all hit me. I’d held it together, and then suddenly I burst into the most emotional version of myself. I don’t think I fully understood what had happened, my time in the tent was over before it even felt like it had started. I was proud to have had the opportunity, but gutted my time was short. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

We had one last meal together, and I stayed the night because I wanted to take in every moment before handing in my hotel key. The next morning I had breakfast with Gabe, Yan, Nikki and Mo… and then off I went back home.

*Funniest moment in the tent?

There were so many, but one of the funniest has to be when Clara fell off her stool, we were all in stitches. But the moment that really stands out was when we briefly had our phones and immediately started making TikToks. We did this challenge where you were blindfolded and had to dance to the music, and it was absolutely hilarious. It was me, Nikki, Clara and Gabe, and everyone else was cheering us on. Watching it back was even funnier. Then we had the tunes blasting from Clara’s little speaker, and the whole green room turned into a mini party — singing, dancing, laughing. It was pure happiness and total vibes, one of those moments where you forget the stress and just enjoy being together.

*Did you have a wardrobe disaster in the tent, and did you have a lucky clothes, socks you wore?

I did have my lucky cross necklace, but that week I decided to switch things up and wore my butterfly necklace and earrings instead — and that’s the week I got booted out. So maybe changing my look wasn’t the best idea. I should’ve stuck with my lucky cross! 

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

He’s such a style icon, I would love to try but I fear I’m not cool enough!

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

At every moment Noel would crack a joke, you honestly didn’t know what was going to be said. But he’s actually such a calm chilled person, you just felt so chill in his presence. And yes Alison and I danced loads together, she’s bloody hilarious!

*What do you love most about all your fellow bakers?

I love their personalities, there’s never an awkward silence around any of them, we can chat for England.

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

I maybe accidentally took home my apron and a tea towel! I was such an emotional mess, I just slipped it into my bag and sobbed the way back to the hotel. It now sits proudly on my hook in the kitchen, I still haven’t washed it, it smells like the tent and has a little dot of purple food colouring from my last bake on the tent! 

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

I’ll take away so much from my time on Bake Off. Even though my journey was shorter than I hoped, it taught me confidence, resilience, and how to stay calm under pressure. I learned that I’m stronger than I think, and that even in the most intense moments, I can still find joy in what I’m doing. I definitely learned new skills too — especially in areas I don’t usually bake in. I’m naturally more of a bread baker, so being pushed into challenges outside my comfort zone taught me techniques I’d never tried before. It stretched me creatively and made me a better, more well‑rounded baker.

But the biggest thing I’ll take away is the friendships. The bakers, the crew, the judges, the hosts — they all made the experience unforgettable. I’ll always carry the memories, the laughter, the chaos, and the love we shared in that tent. Even though I wasn’t ready to leave, I’m so proud I got to be part of something so special.

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

Absolutely — 100%. It was incredible. Even if you don’t feel ready, just apply. You never know what could happen. I never once thought I’d make it as a back‑up baker in my first year, and then somehow I ended up actually being on the show the year after. Bake Off has a funny way of finding people at the perfect moment, so if you love baking, take the leap. It might just change your life.

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

Honestly, I’m up for anything. When I close my eyes, I dream of having my own TV show one day — something fun, creative and full of good vibes. But I’d also love to have my own little cake shed, a cosy space where I can share my bakes and creativity with more than just friends and family. Another dream of mine is to have a small studio where I can teach people how to bake, how to be creative in the kitchen, and how to enjoy the process without feeling intimidated. Baking doesn’t have to be difficult — it’s about having fun, learning as you go, and making something that brings joy. If I can help people feel that, then that’s the dream.

Biography 

Shannon

29

Gloucestershire

Project Planner and Scheduler 

Shannon is a fun-loving, nature-loving foodie who dreams of bringing “a little forest magic” to the Bake Off tent. Growing up in Bristol, she now lives in the countryside with her fiancé Scott, her two black Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Tyrone the tortoise. Her home life revolves around the great outdoors, from long walks to gardening and cooking with ingredients she has grown herself. Shannon has been baking for as long as she can remember, taught by her beloved Nan, and describes her style as whimsical, quirky and rustic. Organised and focused thanks to her day job, Shannon is determined to get her timings just right, however she once rode a horse through a drive-thru, so there’s still plenty of room for chaos!

The Great British Bake Off: Second Helpings 

Tuesdays 10.35pm watch and stream on Channel 4.

Comedian Jon Richardson hosts the brand new Great British Bake Off spin-off show, Second Helpings,alongside regular guest Judi Love.

This week, comedian Roisin Conaty and longtime time fan of the show Carol Vorderman join Jon and Judi as they dish up their views on Audience Choice Week.

Applications are now open for Series 18 of The Great British Bake Off. To apply, go to applyforbakeoff.co.uk.