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The Great British Bake Off 2024 aired episode 8 on November 12 on Channel 4. Illiyin became the latest contestant to leave the competition in season 15. The episode was themed around '70s Week, and the quarterfinal challenge tested the remaining five bakers’ skills through classic flavors and retro-inspired techniques from that era.
Illiyin’s elimination came after the Showstopper Challenge, where contestants were tasked with creating an elaborate gateau. After this quarterfinal departure, only four bakers will compete in the upcoming semi-final of The Great British Bake Off.
Who left the tent in The Great British Bake Off Quarterfinal?
Illiyin's background and baking inspiration
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According to Illiyin's bio on the show's website, she is originally from London. One of eight siblings, she grew up in Norfolk, England, where her love of baking was born. She began helping her mother in the kitchen at an early age, and her talent quickly made her the go-to family member for birthdays and celebrations.
Illiyin draws inspiration from the diverse culinary cultures in her community, frequently incorporating ingredients from Middle Eastern and Caribbean cuisines. Her bakes often feature ingredients such as dried fruits, honey, nuts, rosewater, and mint, which gave her creations a unique, multicultural twist.
Beyond baking, Illiyin is a qualified midwife and published author, dedicating her work to supporting women and families through their early parenthood journeys. She lives with her Spanish husband, her sister, nieces, and two young children.
The '70s Week challenge
In the quarterfinal episode, the five remaining bakers worked through three challenging rounds. The Signature Challenge started the episode, with bakers preparing popular '70s treats.
For the Technical Challenge, they were tasked with recreating a lesser-known retro dessert, which proved to be tricky for most. However, Georgie performed well in the Technical round, securing first place with a near-perfect result.
The final round of the episode, Showstopper Challenge required each baker to design an elaborate gateau. Unfortunately, Illiyin's gateau did not hold together as planned, resulting in a "wonky" presentation that disappointed the judges. Despite compliments on her choice of flavors, Illiyin's bake did not meet the structural or aesthetic expectations for the quarterfinal round, leading to her elimination.
Reflecting on her experience in The Great British Bake Off, Illiyin shared:
“It has been a lesson in patience, determination and self-belief. I will always be grateful. … I am a firm believer in ‘what’s for me won’t miss me,’ and this was for me, what a joy! I’m excited for what is next in this new chapter and to welcome more of you into my community.”
The road ahead for the remaining bakers
The Great British Bake Off 2024 will now move into its semi-final and the remaining four contestants will face even more demanding challenges. There are only two episodes left in the season.
The competition for Star Baker will be more intense, with Georgie taking the title in the most recent episode after her success in both the Technical and Showstopper challenges.
Tune in for new episodes of The Great British Bake Off every Tuesday at 8 p.m. on Channel 4. Don’t miss out as the remaining contestants compete in the semi-final for a chance to become Britain’s top amateur baker!
