The Great British Bake Off: The seventh 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, Gabe was named Star Baker and sadly Gary was the seventh baker to leave the 17th Series. 

It was “Free From” Party week in the tent! Gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan… the bakes might be free from a few things, but they were FULL of fun! 

With a coveted place in the Quarter Final up for grabs, the bakers had to prove that free-from can still be full of flavour. But who proved that different can still be delicious… and who found themselves free, from the tent?

At the end of the seventh episode Noel announced that Gabe was Star Baker and Alison had the difficult job of telling Gary that he would be leaving the tent.

On hearing the news Gary said: ‘It’s alright 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 3, and now it’s my turn to go.

Paul said ‘I will miss my doppelganger’  and to Gary added ‘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.’

Gary talks here about his experience in the tent:

 *Overall what was your standout moment in the Tent?

When Paul Hollywood said I was a good baker.

*Favourite challenge overall and why.

The Showstopper on pastry week, because it was something different.

*Least favourite challenge and why?

‘Free From’ as it’s not something I have practiced a lot at home.

*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 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.

*Funniest moment in the tent throughout your time there?

When Noel asked me to replace Paul in the judging in week 2, then Paul rushed back and pushed me out of the way.  It was just brilliant.

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

Definitely not ha ha

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

Noel and me joked about how Paul was very much like me in how we approach things in baking.  Paul said to Noel how much Gary reminds me of him and we used to joke about it.  And yes I had a great dance with Alison

*What do you love most about all your fellow bakers

They were all great to get along with, and we have the same thing in common which is baking.

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

I was given my water bottle and my apron, and I took away lifetime memories.

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

I learned so much and many different things from the other bakers and how to present yourself when the camera is on, and also dealing with imposter syndrome.

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

100%

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

I will continue to bake of course and wait for the public reaction …

Biography - Gary

67

Nottinghamshire

Retired Garment Technologist 

Gary is a methodical and precise baker who discovered his love of baking later in life. He bought his first cookbook in a gift shop 5 years ago and hasn’t looked back, developing a traditional yet creative style with a focus on impeccable presentation and bold flavours, particularly citrus. Born and bred in Chesterfield, Gary now lives on a smallholding in Nottinghamshire with his wife of over 30 years, Donna. Their countryside home is filled with animals, including sheep, horses, chickens and miniature pygmy goats and Shetland ponies. Having beat prostate cancer himself, Gary is passionate about raising awareness and funds for cancer charities through bake sales and coffee mornings. When he’s not baking, Gary is usually out walking with his two Border Collies, Ollie and Alfie, who are his pride and joy. 

Second Helpings 

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

This week they are joined by comedian Harriet Kemsley and Bake Off star Toby Littlewood to discuss ‘Free-From Week'.

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