Who left Bake Off tonight? Seventh baker leaves in tense Free-from week

Retired garment technologist Gary has become the seventh contestant to leave The Great British Bake Off, bringing his journey in the famous tent to an end during “free from” party week.

With the competition now entering its final stages, the pressure is mounting for the remaining bakers as they battle to impress judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. This year’s series has continued to serve up plenty of memorable moments, ambitious creations and emotional goodbyes, with the contestants demonstrating just how much skill, creativity and determination it takes to make it through each week.

The latest episode saw the bakers face a particularly demanding set of challenges, with the brief centred on creating delicious treats without relying on certain traditional ingredients.

Gary’s Bake Off journey comes to an end

For “free from” party week, the contestants were asked to produce bakes that were gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan, while making sure their creations did not compromise on flavour.

It was a challenge that tested the bakers’ ability to adapt their techniques and work with alternative ingredients. However, Gary struggled to make the week count and ultimately found himself leaving the competition.

At the end of the episode, presenter Noel Fielding revealed that Gabe had secured Star Baker, rewarding him for his efforts across the challenges.

Meanwhile, co-host Alison Hammond delivered the news that Gary, 67, would be the next contestant heading home.

Despite the disappointment, Gary took his elimination in good spirits and reflected on how proud he was to have made it so far.

He said: “It’s all right, 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 three, and now it’s my turn to go.”

Paul Hollywood also shared a personal message for Gary, joking about their similar appearance and the shirts Gary had worn throughout the series.

The judge said: “I will miss my doppelganger,” before telling him: “You can’t carry on wearing the same colour shirts as me every week!”

Gary was equally warm in his farewell, summing up the experience as one he would always treasure.

He 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 reveals his least favourite Bake Off challenge

Speaking in his exit interview, Gary admitted that “free from” week had been his least favourite challenge of the competition.

He explained that baking without certain ingredients was not something he had spent much time practising at home, making it particularly difficult to tackle under the pressure of the tent.

Reflecting on the moment he discovered his Bake Off journey was over, Gary said he had a feeling the decision was coming.

Asked how he felt when he was told he would be leaving, he added: “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.”

Who is Bake Off contestant Gary?

Gary’s journey into baking began relatively late in life. The retired garment technologist discovered his passion for it after buying his first cookbook from a gift shop just five years ago.

Born and raised in Chesterfield, he now lives in Nottinghamshire with his wife of more than 30 years, Donna.

His time in the tent has seen him take on a series of demanding baking challenges, developing his skills along the way and making it much further than he originally expected.

Although he leaves before the quarter-finals, Gary can take plenty of pride in reaching the seventh week of the competition and becoming part of this year’s Bake Off family.

When is Bake Off back?

Gary’s departure means the remaining bakers are one step closer to the semi-finals, with the quarter-finals coming up next week.

The Great British Bake Off continues next Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4. Viewers can also catch up with the series on demand.

Gary will be appearing on Second Helpings with Judi and Jon later this evening on Channel 4, where fans can hear more from him following his departure from the tent.

With the final now getting closer, the competition is set to become even tougher. You’ll love next week’s quarter-final theme – more on that, here.

What to read next:

Share this post with someone you think would like it…