In a cruel double whammy, two bakers were eliminated from The Great British Bake Off 2023.
On tonight’s edition of the Channel 4 competition, the remaining participants knew they had extra burden on their shoulders as they faced a succession of difficult pastry challenges.
After no one was removed last week, they were told by judges Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith that not one, but two of them would be sent home.
Unfortunately, Nicky Laceby and Rowan Claughton have reached the end of their careers, and we are heartbroken to see them depart.
Nicky, 52, informed Paul that she’d had a ‘blast’ when the revelation was made by co-presenter Noel Fielding.
Rowan, 21, told the camera: ‘Saying goodbye is the worst part about this. Not the absolute roast I got at the showstopper.’
Several fans expressed their upset over Nicky and Rowan being sent home, as one wrote on X (formerly Twitter): ‘Ah will miss the lovely Rowan and Nicky, such lovely people #GBBO.’
‘Oh Nicky & Rowan this is such a sad goodbye. You were both such fun and cheerful spirits on the show. This series won’t feel the same without you both 😢,’ someone else wrote.
Another viewer added: ‘Oh no. You’ve been great entertainment, Rowan and Nicky. We’ll miss you!’
In her farewell letter, Nicky stated that she never imagined in her ‘wildest fantasies’ that she would be a contestant on Bake Off.
‘For me I have loved meeting so many wonderful people throughout my journey on Bake Off and a massive thanks to everyone for all their support,’ she wrote.
‘A big thing to always remember is to have a lot of fun while you’re baking and if you have a disaster don’t worry because the next time it won’t be.’
She concluded by writing: ‘Sending you all massive hugs.’
In his letter, Rowan said that his time on Bake Off had been ‘really chuffin’ great’.
‘And that couldn’t be closer to the truth. Bake Off isn’t just cakes and tents. It’s finding confidence, meeting new friends and most of all, having a good old time down South (honestly, it was like a holiday for me),’ he said.
“Bake Off isn't just cakes and tents. It's finding confidence, meeting new friends and most of all, having a good old time down South.”
Here’s Rowan’s fantastic farewell message to you all. ❤️ #GBBO pic.twitter.com/AYui1plYPG
— British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) October 24, 2023
‘I’m not usually for sop, but getting the call to say I’m on Bake Off was the first step into a new era of Rowan. I feel more at peace with myself, and grateful for the bakers and the crew who helped me feel so content and supported.’
He ended by adding: ‘Thanks for the ride, Bake Off. Halfway through ain’t too shabby. Love you all.’
There are currently seven bakers remaining in the competition, including Cristy Sharp, 33, the most recent winner of the coveted Star Baker award.
The Great British Bake Off returns next Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4.
