Clara has become the latest baker to leave The Great British Bake Off after a tense Pastry Week on the Channel 4 show.
The competition reached its sixth week on Tuesday (October 27), with the remaining contestants facing three challenges. For the Signature Challenge, the bakers were tasked with making eight handheld savoury pies.
Technical and Showstopper Challenges
Nigella Lawson set the Technical Challenge, asking contestants to produce their own take on a Karpatka, a traditional Polish dessert. They needed to make two layers of choux pastry before filling it with vanilla custard.
The Showstopper Challenge saw the bakers attempt a free-form pie, in which they had to shape and bake the pastry without using tins. Nigella and Paul Hollywood were delighted to see a variety of artistic pies during judging.
Clara's Exit and Tom's Star Baker Win
After coming in last place in the Technical and failing to impress in the Showstopper, Clara became the next baker to leave the competition, while Tom earned the title of Star Baker. It was the third time Tom has won Star Baker.
Following the news of her exit, the Portuguese baker said, "I had a blast! Love you, guys." Clara added, "This experience, like, it's not only that you're learning about baking, but you're learning a lot about you. I never thought I could do this with my disorder, and I'm really proud that I did that, and hopefully, I can be an inspiration for other people."
Nigella said, "Clara really needed to redeem herself in the Showstopper. I had so hoped she would, because she's so talented, but that's... that's how it goes."
Speaking about Tom's achievement as Star Baker, Paul concluded: "Tom's done an amazing job. He's certainly one to watch now. That pastry in the Showstopper was enough to get Star Baker. Really clever, neat, precise, the filling was beautiful, and it's the third time he's won Star Baker. Wow!"
Fan Reaction
Viewers were quick to share their disappointment after Clara's exit was announced. "Not my Clara [crying emojis]. She's such a ray of sunshine, I'm going to miss her so much," one person wrote on X.
Another added: "Gutted for Clara. She is a great baker, but she has struggled the last few weeks. So happy for Tom getting his hat trick!" A third said, "I'm going to miss Clara so much in the tent." Someone else echoed the sentiment, saying: "Clara!!! You were so much fun to watch, sweet woman!!! It was amazing to watch your journey and see the joy you and the rest of the cast brought!!!"
Next Week
Next week, the bakers will tackle free-from Party Week, battling it out for a place in the quarter-final. The Great British Bake Off is available to stream on Channel 4.
