Bake Off contestants ‘hold back tears’ following double elimination

Two contestants left the tent this week after Tasha fell ill during the previous episode

The Great British Bake Off tent was filled with emotion this week as two contestants were eliminated at once.

No bakers were eliminated in last week’s episode after Tasha fell ill and had to exit the show early, meaning two people had to go this time around.

One contestant said they had to “hold back the tears” during the double-elimination on the fifth episode of the show’s 14th series.

The episode started with the bakers being told their signature dish would be savoury picnic pies.

Pastry Week also saw the contestants make a classic French rough puff pastry for their technical challenge, and a decorative sweet pie for their showstopper, judged by Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith.

At the end of the episode presenter Alison Hammond announced that Cristy was this week’s star baker, while co-presenter Noel Fielding revealed that Nicky and Rowan had become the fourth and fifth contestants to leave the tent.

Nicky, 52, who is based in the West Midlands, said: “I knew my time had come to an end after such a disastrous few days but even still my heart sank and I had to hold back the tears.

Nicky on ‘The Great British Bake Off’ (Chaanel 4)

“I had such a wonderfully happy time during my time in the tent.

“What made it slightly easier when leaving was I didn’t leave alone and my lovely bakers gave me the biggest hugs which meant more than anything to me.

“I got to halfway through and that’s good enough for me, without a doubt.

“I have had so many people stop me and recognise me. I even got recognised in France where I have just been for a few days.”

Rowan, 21, from West Yorkshire, said leaving with Nicky “made it so much easier” for him to say farewell.

The student said: “We were great friends in the tent and we are really looking forward to doing An Extra Slice together, it will be lovely to see her again.

“After being on the series I’ve learnt to be more confident in myself and my talents, and that you will find friends wherever you go.”

He added: “When it was announced I was leaving I was raging! Only joking, it was my time to go.

“I mean, my pies were abhorrent so I expected nothing less. Everyone rallied around Nicky and me and gave us all the love.

“And then Tash, Dana and I hit the bar, but I should probably keep that one to myself.”

Nicky and Rowan will join presenters Jo Brand and Tom Allen on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice at 8pm on Thursday on Channel 4, with guest appearances from comedian Ross Noble, reality star Jamie Laing and dancer Oti Mabuse.

The Great British Bake Off airs on Tuesdays on Channel 4.

Additional reporting from the Press Association