The Great British Bake Off's Season 15 episode 4 aired on October 15, 2024. Nine bakers competed in three difficult rounds in the tent during Caramel Week. The contest was supervised by judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood. Georgie Grasso, 35, emerged victorious as Star Baker after impressing throughout the week, particularly with her 'Glass Rose Mirror' mousse cake.
Mike Wilkins, a 29-year-old farmhand, was eliminated following struggles across all challenges, including a mousse-less Showstopper. Hosts Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond provided comic relief, with Noel accidentally breaking Great British Bake Off contestant Nelly's mixing bowl.
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Great British Bake Off Caramel Week sees Mike Wilkins’s elimination
Signature challenge
The first task of Caramel Week required bakers to create caramel-flavored biscuits. Great British Bake Off Season 15 Contestants could draw inspiration from existing biscuits or develop original ideas, with the stipulation that caramel flavor should dominate the recipe.
Several bakers stood out with their creations. Christiaan impressed the judges with his Spiced Nut Stroopwafel Caramel Biscuits, while Andy's 'A Bit of a Fix' Caramel Biscuit garnered praise from Paul and Prue. Georgie's 'Favourite Chocolate Bar' biscuits were described by Prue as "really neat and nice."
Other Great British Bake Off Season 15 contestants faced mixed results. Nelly's Good Old Times Caramel Biscuits received compliments for flavor but fell short on texture.
Sumayah's Sesame Hibiscus Caramel Biscuits earned praise from Paul for their "amazing flavors" despite being "not really set." Dylan and Illiyin received positive feedback for the overall appearance of their Oats with Pineapple Caramel Biscuits and Almond Florentine Caramel Biscuits, respectively.
Mike and Gill struggled in this round. While the judges recognized the flavors in Mike's Dad's Favourite Caramel Biscuits and Gill's Fruit & Nut Millionaire Caramel Biscuits, both entries suffered from baking flaws that left the judges wanting more.
Technical challenge
The second round presented bakers with the task of creating a pear tart tatin accompanied by walnut caramel ice cream. This challenge tested the contestants' technical skills and ability to work under pressure.
The judges ranked the bakers' efforts as follows:
- Georgie
- Christiaan
- Sumayah
- Illyin
- Dylan
- Nelly
- Mike
- Gill
- Andy
Georgie's top placement in this round solidified her strong performance for the Great British Bake Off Season 15 week 4, while Andy's position at the bottom highlighted the difficulties he faced with the technical aspects of the challenge.
Showstopper challenge
The bakers’ final challenge of the week was to create a showstopping caramel mousse cake. This round provided contestants with the opportunity to showcase their creativity and technical skills.
Georgie continued her strong performance with her 'Glass Rose Mirror' Mousse Cake.
Sumayah's 'Banoffee Pecan' mousse cake and Andy's 'Lonely Tree' mousse cake were two more noteworthy submissions. While Nelly made a dessert called "Behind Every Great Woman," Gill served a "Sticky Toffee" mousse cake.
Mike's Coffee Popcorn Mousse Cake lacked mousse. This misstep would prove crucial in the final judging.
Illiyin prepared a Caramel and White Chocolate Mousse Cake, Dylan offered a Lemon Honey & Ginger Mousse Cake, and Christiaan rounded out the entries with his 'Tropicaramel' Mousse Cake.
Results and elimination
The judges selected Georgie Grasso as the Star Baker for Caramel Week. Her consistent performance across all challenges, including a first-place finish in the Technical round and an impressive Showstopper, secured her the title. Georgie expressed her surprise and joy, stating,
"Star Baker is just crazy – I honestly didn't think I was going to do it. It means a lot – I've always been self-conscious about my baking. To get more confidence shows I can do it."
Mike Wilkins was eliminated. His struggles throughout Caramel Week, culminating in the mousse-less Showstopper, led to his elimination. Mike reflected on his departure, saying,
"I feel it was my time to go. I'm just this little farmhand who does a bit of baking in the kitchen. Everybody else was so incredible. I feel like the quality of what everyone else is doing is just breathtaking. I'm going to miss everyone."
Sumayah narrowly avoided Great British Bake Off Season 15 elimination, expressing mixed emotions about the results. She shared,
"I'm really happy [to have survived elimination]. But I'm sad at the same time – Mike was genuinely the heart of the group. He's been a good friend."
Eight competitors are left in the Great British Bake Off Season 15 after Mike's exit.
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