(Warning: The following contains MAJOR spoilers for The Great British Baking Showcollection 12, week 5)

Great British baking show assess Dame Prue Leith and viewers at home were “gutted” by the latest elimination, which saw car mechanic Andy drop out of the competition.

As part of “Pastry Week”, the remaining eight contestants were given the usual Signature, Technical and Showstopper rounds. This included making 12 frangipane tarts in Signature bake and the Greek pie Spanakopita i Paul Hollywood-set Technical challenge.

Most challenging of all, however, was the Showstopper round, where 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 really fell apart for fan favorite Andy.

After coming second 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 caramel construction broke, forcing him to start all over again. In the end, his finished product did not turn out as intended, and its taste lacked “punch”.

Despite finishing last in the technical round, baker Gill was awarded the Star Baker following his impressive Showstopper, meaning Andy became the fifth contestant to be eliminated from Season 15.

Leith looked visibly upset as he said goodbye to Andy, noting: “It’s so sad to see Andy go. I adore the guy, but he just hasn’t had a good week.”

Many fans felt the same way, with an X user typing“Gutted Andy was one of the favorites he seemed a top guy #gbbo.”

“Emotionally devastated when Andy left the tent. what a gentleman” said another.

Another added, “We don’t want Andy to leave. We really don’t want anyone to leave, but we really don’t want Andy to leave.”

GBBO/Netflix

“Aww I really liked Andy too bad! But understandably he didn’t have a good week. wrote a commenter.

“It was the right decision but I’m still down, I really liked Andy #GBBO,” said another.

Addressing his departure in a letter shared on the GBBO X account, Andy wrote: “I may have ended my journey with a tear and not quite as I expected, but I will definitely bake Everlong (Foo Fighters song!) I sorry I never walked away with a handshake, Star Baker, winning Technical or even a Paul pat.”

Being embraced by the whole 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) 22 October 2024

He continued, “Being embraced by the whole 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.