‘The Great British Baking Show’: Prue Leith Reacts After ‘Pastry Week’ Drama
[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for The Great British Baking Show, Collection 12, Week 5]
Great British Baking Show judge Dame Prue Leith and viewers at home were “gutted” over the latest elimination, which saw car mechanic Andy bow out of the competition.
As part of “Pastry Week,” the remaining eight contestants were tasked with the usual Signature, Technical, and Showstopper rounds. This included making 12 frangipane tarts in the Signature bake and the Greek pie Spanakopita in the Paul Hollywood-set Technical challenge.
However, the most challenging of all was the Showstopper round, where the contestants were asked to make a Paris-Brest centerpiece consisting of an edible stand, gateau, choux pastry ring, and at least one custard filling. This is where things truly fell apart for fan favorite Andy.
After finishing second-to-last in the Technical challenge due to his pie having a “soggy bottom,” Andy knew he had to redeem himself in the Showstopper. Unfortunately, Andy’s ambitious toffee construction broke apart, forcing him to start from scratch. In the end, his finished product didn’t turn out as intended, and its flavor lacked “punch.”
Despite finishing last in the Technical round, fellow baker Gill was awarded Star Baker after her impressive Showstopper, meaning Andy became the fifth contestant eliminated from Season 15.
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Leith looked visibly upset to say goodbye to Andy, noting, “It’s so sad to see Andy go. I adore the guy, but he just didn’t have a good week.”
Many fans felt the same, with one X user writing, “Gutted Andy was one of faves he seemed like a top bloke #gbbo.”
“Emotionally wrecked at Andy leaving the tent. What a gent,” said another.
Another added, “We don’t want Andy to leave. We don’t want anyone to leave, really, but we really don’t want Andy to leave.”
GBBO/Netflix
“Awwww I really liked Andy such a shame! But it’s understandable he didn’t have a great week,” wrote one commenter.
“It was the right decision, but I am still gutted, I really liked Andy #GBBO,” said another.
Andy addressed his exit in a letter shared on the GBBO X account, writing, “I may have ended my journey with a tear and not quite how I was expecting to but I will certainly be baking Everlong (Foo Fighters tune!). I’m sad I never left with a handshake, Star Baker, winning Technical or even a Paul pat.”
To be embraced by all the Bake Off family and all the amazing fans is overwhelming and has filled me with love and joy.” – Andy. #GBBO pic.twitter.com/pA7RJ8nFQj
— British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) October 22, 2024
He continued, “To be embraced by all the Bake Off family and all the amazing fans is overwhelming and has filled me with love and joy. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Big love always, Andy xxx Big Boy Bakes aka Wonka.”
What did you think of the latest episode? Were you sad to see Andy go? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
The Great British Baking Show, Season 15, Fridays, Netflix
Conversation11 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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G
I love Andy and it was heart-wrenching to see him go. The GBBO is my one must-see show. The only thing that is wrong with it is that every week a baker must leave. Watching the superb people in that famous white tent is my happy time. Keep baking, Andy!
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O
Like everyone else, I loved Andy. He was just a regular guy who was just so funny and so kind. I was sad to see him go, but he just had some bad luck. He will be missed.
2
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O
It's a contest and it whittles through all of them. We all have favorites and there have been very worthy contestants who lost. It's not about popularity but baking skill, at least it's supposed to be. It was Andy's time to go, unfortunately.
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P
I wish Prue would leave the show. She picks her favorite on the 1st show or before and it always shows in her comments If she doesn't like you, watch out!
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O
Didn’t matter that much to me. He wasn’t the best baker!
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P
Like any other competitive show, if you have a bad week you will most likely get kicked off. I’m not sure why people are being so hateful about it.
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C
I don't understand why Gill didn't get a handshake instead of an applause. This season is weird in that respect. I will miss Andy very much. He was one of my most favorites.
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B
LOVED Andy but it's a tough competition! He will be missed. Xxx
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O
I don't know the ultimate criteria the judges use so can't tell if it was fair or not. Andy was definitely a favorite. Great personality!
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G
We loved Andy! Keep up the good work my friend! Hope to see future bakes from you sometime soon!
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C
It was his time....
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