Great British Bake Off viewers stunned as ‘phenomenal’ baker is eliminated

Sumayah had already been crowned as ‘star baker’ twice in the season

Great British Bake Off viewers have been left shocked after talented baker, Sumayah, was surprisingly eliminated from the show after Dessert Week.

The 19-year-old, who is the youngest contestant on this year’s version of the Channel 4 show, had been one of the standout figures in the new season, having already been crowned as star baker twice.

Dessert Week saw the six remaining contestants tackle the usual three rounds of Signature, Technical and Showstopper dishes, with Dylan impressing the judges and was named star baker, even receiving a “Hollywood handshake” from Paul Hollywood.

Sumayah though struggled and couldn’t replicate the success that she’d had earlier in the series. Speaking after the elimination was confirmed, the youngster said: “I feel like it wasn’t one specific event that let me down, it was just kind of a series of mistakes here and there.”

In her goodbye letter shared on X/Twitter, Sumayah wrote: “Well... what can I say? To all my fellow bakers who made the experience what it was, they’re my second family, we had the best laughs (and cries) together and I can’t imagine life without you all now. Bake Off has been the most wonderful experience of my life and I’m so grateful to be part of it.

“I still can’t wrap my head around it! It has truly changed my life for the better, I’ve gained a newfound sense of confidence, motivation and friends for life.”

She added: “Leaving the Tent certainly comes with a cohort of mixed emotions but I am so proud of everything I managed to achieve (a Showstopper handshake was beyond my wildest dreams!) and I left the Tent with the biggest smile on my face. Every day was so much fun and I’m so happy to have shared my love of bakery and art with you all!”

Many viewers extended their empathy and frustration to Sumayah following her departure, calling her efforts and creations on the show “phenomenal.”

Sumayah, one of the contestants on series 15 of The Great British Bake Off (Channel 4/Love Productions/Mark Bourdillon/PA Wire)

One person wrote: “It’s so frustrating when the show comes down to performance of the week and not overall, but ultimately someone has to go. Sumayah should have been a finalist but didn’t land the work tonight. An amazing baker and so young, brilliant to go so far.”

Another viewer said: “Sumayah is only 19 years old. Won star baker twice and made the most extraordinary cake I have ever seen. Phenomenal. Well done Sumayah.”

A third person added: “It felt like the writing was on the wall for her tonight after so many amazing bakes since she entered the tent. How can an 18-year-old have acquired so much technical knowledge of baking and so much finesse.... incredible. Sumayah farewell, you will certainly be missed.”