Gary has spoken out after becoming the latest baker to leave The Great British Bake Off, following his elimination during Free-From Party Week on Tuesday (November 3). The contestant was sent home after failing to impress judges Nigella Lawson and Paul Hollywood with his Showstopper, according to the Mirror.
Six bakers took part in the challenge, which began with a Signature task requiring gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan treats. The Technical, set by Nigella, asked each baker to produce an "adorable animal cake", while the Showstopper involved baking a children's birthday cake with an interactive feature.
Gary reflects on his departure
Gary discussed his exit during an episode of Second Helpings, the new Channel 4 companion programme presented by Jon Richardson and Judi Love. He appeared alongside former competitor Danni.
Asked by Jon how he was doing, Gary said: "Fine, yeah, yeah, I'm alright. I wish I weren't here. It didn't come as a surprise, to be honest with you. It wasn't my best week. It were just, it were my turn. I'm fine, don't worry."
Discussing his interactive cauldron cake, Jon remarked: "Let's have a look at your interactive cauldron cake. I feel like Paul and Nigella were a little bit unfairly harsh on it." Gary responded: "Well, I think it looked good... Yeah, it [was] the taste [that] they didn't like."
Fans react to the verdict
Reflecting on his Technical, Gary added: "I think the actual sponges were nice, but the actual finish, I was really upset about that one. The bakers in there, they're all brilliant, and when it gets to this stage, you know, the judges start to tighten things up, and they're a bit more picky."
On being compared to Paul Hollywood, Gary said: "Well, the bakers were saying, 'Oh my God, you look like Paul.' I went, 'Really? I don't, nah, nah.' So, Paul came up, and I said to him, 'You know me and you, we're in competition?' He went, 'What do you mean?' I said, 'Not about baking,' I said, 'The looks!'"
Viewers voiced objections to the judges' decision on social media. One person posted on X: "I adore Connie, but Gary did better than her in the first two challenges, and they didn't love her Showstopper that much more than his so... Why did he go?" Another commented: "I'm absolutely devastated by Gary's departure from #GBBO. He was my favourite!"
A third stated: "Absolute Gary slander this week. You knew from the minute Nigella said Connie just has the heart of a baker that they were sending Gary home. Justice for Gary! Been a fan of Connie, but there's no way they got equal treatment this week." Another viewer remarked: "Gary deserved so much better. I don't think it would have mattered what he baked it wouldn't have been good enough for Paul."
The Great British Bake Off airs Tuesday nights at 8pm on Channel 4.
