Illiyin left The Great British Bake Off in season 15 episode 8 after her 1970s-themed gateau collapsed during the final challenge. The November 12 broadcast saw Georgie winning Star Baker following strong performances in profiteroles, banoffee pie, and vintage gateau rounds. Meanwhile, Dylan secured a Hollywood handshake for his sci-fi profiterole stack while Georgie topped the technical challenge.
The Great British Bake Off season 15 episode 8 aired Tuesday at 8 PM on Channel 4, reducing the competition to four bakers. Christiaan, Dylan, Georgie, and Gill advanced to next week's patisserie-themed semi-final. Upon departure, Illiyin spoke about personal growth and managing pressure. Prue commended her baking skills and character.
Alison delivered the elimination news as the competition moved toward its final stages. The results followed three rounds of 1970s-inspired challenges testing classic techniques and retro presentation styles.
Collapsed Gateau marks the end of The Great British Bake Off Season 15 Run for Illiyin
Signature Challenge
The opening round of The Great British Bake Off season 15 episode 8 challenged bakers to create decorative profiterole stacks. Dylan's sci-fi-inspired creation earned a Hollywood handshake. Paul mentioned he could envision the display in department store windows. The judges praised both visual presentation and flavor combinations.
Christiaan's alcohol-infused stack received mixed feedback. Paul noted the content of the strong spirit while acknowledging the successful flavor balance. The judges complimented his decorative skills and attention to detail.
Georgie paid tribute to Freddie Mercury with her stack. Both judges agreed the flavors worked together effectively. The structural integrity matched the creative concept according to Paul's assessment.
Illiyin designed a 1970s Afro-inspired tower. Technical issues arose from overfilled choux buns affecting stability. Despite structural concerns, the judges commended the fresh flavors and described them as "absolutely delicious."
Gill created a festive Christmas tree arrangement. Paul evaluated it as technically sound yet basic in concept. The judges acknowledged the proper execution of fundamentals while suggesting more creative possibilities existed.
Technical round
Paul challenged The Great British Bake Off Season 15’s final five contestants to make traditional banoffee pie with pastry crust bases. The 1970s recipe demanded specific techniques different from modern versions using biscuit foundations.
Georgie demonstrated superior technical skills securing first place. Her pie met all key criteria regarding pastry texture, caramel consistency, and overall assembly. Christiaan followed closely in the second position with minor variations in execution.
Dylan achieved third place showing a solid understanding of traditional methods. Fourth position went to Illiyin while Gill placed fifth in the technical assessment. Judges evaluated filling consistency, pastry quality, and faithful recreation of classic elements.
Showstopper Challenge
The final round asked all bakers to create two-tiered 1970s gateaux with demanding decoration requirements. Paul and Prue focused on sponge texture, filling consistency, and detailed piping work.
Illiyin attempted a Peach Melba creation. The gateau faced structural failure during refrigeration. Prue acknowledged the potential visual appeal before the collapse. The flavor combination received high marks despite presentation issues.
Christiaan's Lemon, Hazelnut, and Advocaat gateau displayed bold color choices. The judges praised his authentic 1970s decorative swirls. However, excessive alcohol content masked other intended flavors according to Paul's evaluation.
Gill recreated memories from Geoff's Cafe. Her shag pile carpet piping technique impressed both judges. Paul noted the accurate representation of 1970s styling. The flavors matched the visual authenticity.
Georgie produced a Vintage Black Forest gateau. Paul described the appearance as appropriately retro. Her precise piping work and balanced taste combinations earned significant praise.
Dylan's Mint Chocolate creation featured bright colors true to the era. The judges found the peppermint flavor overpowering. Paul commended the smooth sponge texture and called the overall taste "elegant" despite intense mint notes.
Results
The Week 8 competition produced clear rankings across all challenges.
Final standings of The Great British Bake Off Season 15 Episode 8:
- Star Baker: Georgie (First in Technical, strong Signature and Showstopper)
- Runner-up: Dylan (Hollywood Handshake in Signature, Third in Technical)
- Safe: Christiaan (Second in Technical, mixed Showstopper feedback)
- Safe: Gill (Fifth in Technical, improved Showstopper)
- Eliminated: Illiyin (Fourth in Technical, collapsed Showstopper)
Following the announcement, Illiyin shared her The Great British Bake Off Season 15 experience.
“It’s a funny thing. I feel I can drop my shoulders a little bit, and at least you don’t have to go and practice patisserie! Even [with] all these feelings of sadness, underneath all of that I think there is an immense sense of pride, I am glad to have that."
She continued,
"This is an exceptional competition with exceptional bakers, and to have been part of it, that’s quite special. Over and out, Bake Off, it’s done!"
The Great British Bake Off Season 15 semi-final round moves to patisserie challenges next week. The remaining four bakers face breakfast pastries and fruit entremets tasks. Channel 4 will broadcast the episode on Tuesday, November 19.