Eighth baker leaves Great British Bake Off during quarter final

Connie was the eighth baker to leave The Great British Bake Off during the quarter final.

Tuesday night’s episode saw the NHS Hospital discharge lead, 63, become the latest contestant to leave the Channel 4 show while political economy student Moyin, 22, was named star baker.

The quarter final saw the bakers take on three caramel-based challenges including a classic treacle tart, millionaire shortbread and nougatine sculpture showpiece.

Connie said she felt an “enormous sense of pride” when presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding announced that she would be leaving the tent.

In her exit interview, Connie said her time in the tent reminded her that “baking is about so much than cakes and biscuits” after she was able to use the bakes the tell personal stories.

She said: “There were many special moments during my time in the tent, but the standout moments for me were the bakes that allowed me to tell stories that were close to my heart.

“The first was my wearable Mother of the Bride hat, which I dedicated to my mum and to all mothers who have had the privilege of being the mother of the bride or groom. It was a very personal bake and one that meant a great deal to me.

“Seeing Nigella proudly modelling my mother of the bride hat in the tent was an incredibly special moment that I will never forget.

“The second was my biscuit map of Jamaica, which I created in memory of those who lost so much during the devastating hurricane the previous year.”

Connie said that both of her parents were born in Jamaica so the island feels like a part of her “family history, my heritage, and my identity”.

She said: “Being able to use my baking to honour Jamaica and its people, while recognising their strength, resilience, and spirit in the face of adversity, was incredibly important and one of the proudest moments of my time in the tent.

“Both bakes allowed me to tell stories that were close to my heart, and that is what made them so special.

“Looking back, they remind me that baking is about so much more than cakes and biscuits. It is about celebrating people, preserving memories, honouring our heritage, and sharing stories through food. Those are the moments that will stay with me forever.”

She went on to say how dessert week was her favourite challenge overall because it allowed her to “go back in time” and recreate some of the classic desserts she grew up with.

“Dessert Week wasn’t just about baking for me,” she said, “It was a celebration of memories, nostalgia, and the people who have shaped my life.

“It reminded me of school dinner puddings, family meals, and the comforting desserts that bring people together. Being able to recreate those classics in the tent felt incredibly special.”

She went on to say she felt “particularly inspired” by the younger bakers in the group.

“Every day, I saw the hard work, commitment, and passion they put into every bake,” she added.

“As we know, young people often receive negative publicity, but I hope viewers at home will see what I saw: a group of talented, kind, caring, and dedicated young people from different backgrounds who should be celebrated.

“I was incredibly proud of every one of them.

“The friendships, memories, and experiences I gained are priceless, and the lessons I learned, both in and out of the tent, will stay with me for the rest of my life. Bake Off has made me a better baker, but more importantly, it has helped me grow as a person.”

The 63-year-old said she encourages people to apply – especially older people who might be considering it.

She said: “Bake Off is for everyone, regardless of age, background, or experience. some of the richest conversations and greatest learning come from sharing experiences with people from all walks of life.”

Bake Off returns on Channel 4 on Tuesday at 8pm.