In Episode 8 of The Great British Bake Off 2024, Illiyin said goodbye to the tent after an intense “1970s Week.” The bakers were tasked with creating nostalgic treats reminiscent of the iconic era, including retro gateaus, towering profiterole structures, and a classic favorite inspired by the decade.
While some contestants rose to the occasion with intricate bakes and bold flavors, Illiyin struggled to meet judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith's high standards, ultimately leading to her elimination.
This episode of The Great British Bake Off captured the competition’s mounting pressure as the semi-finals approached.
Illiyin bids farewell to The Great British Bake Off 2024
After the announcement of her elimination, Illiyin expressed a mix of relief, pride, and gratitude. She even joked about not making it to the finale, saying,
“I feel I can drop my shoulders a little bit, and at least you don’t have to go and practice patisserie!”
Balancing her sadness with appreciation, Illiyin shared,
“Even with all these feelings of sadness, underneath all of that I think there is an immense sense of pride.” She highlighted how special it felt to be part of such an extraordinary competition with exceptional bakers, adding, “Over and out, Bake Off, it’s done!”
Prue Leith offered Illiyin warm words, telling her,
“You were a very good baker, a wonderful woman; you should be very proud of yourself.”
Illiyin said the experience taught her valuable lessons about resilience and self-discovery, adding:
“I know that for many it looks like it is just cake, but the experience has taught me so much about myself, my grit and determination.”
Illiyin’s journey on The Great British Bake Off 2024
Born in London, Illiyin Morrison, 31, grew up as one of eight siblings in a Norfolk household. She developed a penchant for baking early on, assisting her mother with family recipes and eventually becoming the designated cake maker for family celebrations.
Surrounded by a rich blend of cultures and diverse culinary influences, she found inspiration in her multicultural community and frequently experimented with ingredients that reflected her heritage.
She’s particularly drawn to Middle Eastern flavors like rose, honey, dried fruits, and nuts, which add unique elements to her sweet creations. Meanwhile, her savory bakes carry a distinct Caribbean influence, infused with bold spices and tropical notes.
Besides baking, Illiyin has built a dynamic career as a midwife and a published author. Now working as a freelancer, she supports women through the stages of early motherhood, combining her professional expertise with a compassionate, hands-on approach.
She lives with her Spanish husband, two young children, her sister, and her nieces, maintaining a fulfilling balance of family life, baking, and her professional and creative pursuits.
Illiyin quickly emerged as a fan favorite in this season of The Great British Bake Off, especially after impressing Paul Hollywood in the first episode with her cinnamon roll loaf cake, which earned her the coveted "Hollywood Handshake."
She delivered memorable performances throughout the season, including a showstopping tiramisu during Dessert Week that impressed Paul and Prue.
However, Illiyin’s ride on The Great British Bake Off also had dramatic moments. In week 2, she fainted after a particularly challenging showstopper, adding to the season's intensity. Her resilience and skill pushed her through to the top five, where she enjoyed support from viewers and fans.
Despite these highlights, her time in the tent ended during the nostalgic challenges of 1970s Week, where she was eliminated just before the semi-finals.
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In the upcoming episodes of The Great British Bake Off, the remaining four contestants will tackle a French patisserie signature, a classic buttery French Technical, and a showstopping Italian celebration cake layered with puff pastry.
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