WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF EPISODE SIX
The Great British Bake Off ended on a dramatic note last night as a fan favourite was sent home, leaving mouths gaping in shock as the credits rolled.
Many viewers were gutted as host Noel Fielding called out Nelly’s name as he revealed which contestant would be leaving the tent, following Sumayah’s turn as Star Baker.
Nelly, 44, handled it like a pro, approaching the sad moment in her usual upbeat manner.
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“It’s not commiseration, it is a positive, I am so ready to leave,” she said.
“I never ever thought I would get to round six! I know my children are so proud.
“It’s not to teach them to win, it is to teach them to enjoy. Don’t cry! Everyone is crying….
“Of course I am happy – in each of your heart is a piece of Nelly and you are never going to forget me. Cake – we can bake!”
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And it turns out Noel was just as distraught as the rest of us were.
In her exit interview with Channel 4, Nelly was asked how she felt as he said her name.
“I was ready to leave and felt it was my time to go,” she replied.
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“Noel had the role of sending me home and he found that so difficult. I was looking at him and trying to support him with my eyes to say it is ok. But he couldn’t look at me, he was genuinely upset.
“The production team were crying and it really touched my heart so much.”
While we didn't see the full moment in the tent, given the nature of TV edits, many viewers picked up on the fact that Noel had clearly struggled with the announcement.
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"Noel genuinely looked crushed announcing that Nelly has left the #GBBO tent," one tweeted. "End of an era."
Someone else wrote: "Didn’t think Noel was going to be able get through that - ah farewell Nelly you were fabulous!"
A third commented: "I can't believe they made Noel announce his bestie Nelly was leaving, it's just an extra level of heartbreak."
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Nelly said she was ‘happy’ that Dylan – who was also in the firing line last night – got to stay, adding: “I couldn’t wish for a better ending!”
She also said the bakers would be ‘friends for life’, praising the production crew for casting people from ‘different backgrounds and cultures’.
Encouraging any aspiring bakers to follow in her footsteps, she said: “If I can do it anyone can!!! I’m just a basic woman with basic skills… and look at me and how much I did achieve.. anyone can do it.”
I’m not crying, you are...
Topics: Great British Bake Off, Noel Fielding, Channel 4, Food and Drink
Jess Hardiman