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As the 2024 season of The Great British Bake Off continues, several contestants have already left the tent. Week 3 of season 15 marked the departure of John Mincher, following a challenging Bread Week.
This follows the double elimination in Week 2, where Hazel Vaughan and Jeff both exited during Biscuit Week. Thus far, three bakers have been removed from the competition.
Every week, the competition is getting more intense as bakers take on a variety of tasks while judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith keep a close eye on them. The show began with 12 bakers and now, the count has shrunk to just 9.
The Great British Bake Off: The eliminations
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Week 3: John Mincher eliminated
John Mincher, a 37-year-old directorate support manager from Willenhall, was the third contestant to be eliminated from The Great British Bake Off 2024. After competing in Bread Week, John was sent home by hosts Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond. Bread Week consisted of three challenges—Signature, Technical, and Showstopper—and John’s baking creations failed to impress the judges.
John, who was the first Star Baker of the season, acknowledged his elimination by stating:
"It was just a bad week. It’s just how it is. Because everybody is so talented, if you drop the ball, it’s your time to go."
Despite his early exit, John got emotional and felt overjoyed by his achievement on the show. He left with "tears of pride."
Week 2: Hazel Vaughan and Jeff eliminated
In Week 2, Hazel Vaughan and Jeff both left The Great British Bake Off after competing in Biscuit Week. Hazel, a 71-year-old former nail technician, struggled with her Viennese sandwich biscuits and edible puppet theater, leading to her elimination.
She reflected on her experience, saying:
"All my bakes went wrong. Maybe I won't make biscuit puppet theatres anymore!"
Hazel described her participation in the show as a "wonderful experience" and praised her fellow contestants.
Jeff, on the other hand, had health issues during the first episode but returned for Week 2. Unfortunately, the 67-year-old contestant still felt unwell and chose to leave the competition. On his departure, Jeff mentioned:
"This time around it just wasn’t right for me. I have really enjoyed it, everyone has been wonderful."
Despite his early exit, Jeff was grateful for the experience and the opportunity to meet other bakers.
Week 1: No eliminations
In the first week of The Great British Bake Off 2024, no contestants were eliminated. The judges decided no one should leave the tent due to Jeff’s health problems. Although the judges deliberated and considered the performances, they ultimately spared all contestants from elimination. As host Noel Fielding stated:
"It’s too early to send someone home."
What comes next?
The remaining bakers on The Great British Bake Off 2024 will have even more difficulties in the upcoming weeks. Following the rigors of Bread Week, the competitors will now move on to Caramel Week, where they must create visually stunning desserts that will wow judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood.
With only nine contestants left, the pressure continues to rise as the stakes get higher, and the bakers have to bring their A-game to avoid elimination.
The Great British Bake Off season 15, episode 4 will air on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 8 pm BST on Channel 4 and is also available for streaming on channel4.com.
