West Yorkshire baker Tom returned to the Bake Off tent for the programme’s first-ever Audience Choice Week, finishing seventh in the technical challenge.
The baker returned to the tent after being named Star Baker in the previous episode, despite producing an unfinished biscuit mosaic showstopper.
This week, viewers chose all three challenges for the programme’s first Audience Choice Week. Thousands of public submissions were sent in, with the resulting tasks replacing challenges selected by judges Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson.
Bake off Judges Nigella and Paul (Image: Newsquest)
Tom admitted he was taking a careful approach to the episode.
Tom said: "I'm just trying not to go home this week. I'm playing it safe."
Signature challenge brings family twist
The signature challenge asked contestants to make a baked cheesecake inspired by a family favourite. Relatives were invited into the tent to help the bakers.
Tom was joined by his partner, Alex, whose favourite flavours influenced the recipe. Their cheesecake had a strawberry and white chocolate filling, a raspberry topping and an almond shortbread base.
As they worked against the clock, Tom joked about Alex’s involvement.
Tom said: "I've allowed him to weigh the ingredients."
Read More:
Cooling time was important, leaving the bakers with little room for mistakes. The judges responded positively to Tom’s finished cheesecake.
Nigella said: "Handsome profile, I love the tartness of the raspberries, it really makes it zing."
Paul said he loved the bake on the cheesecake.
Seventh-place finish in technical challenge
The technical challenge brought another first for the series. Contestants received a mystery box of ingredients and had two hours to create a bake of their choice.
They were given no recipe and had to work with a limited pantry. Tom chose to make a spring-summer cake with citrus notes, deciding to use a familiar style.
Tom said: "I can do a cake, I might as well play to my strengths."
Some parts of the bake pleased the judges, but they also identified problems with the sponge and flavour.
Paul said: "This looks great very retro. The sponge isn't too bad to eat but it is overbaked."
New judge Nigella (Image: Newsquest)
Nigella said: "I felt the bitterness which makes you feel like there's some zest with a bit too much pip in it in the cake."
Tom finished seventh, his lowest position in the series so far.
Music idol inspired Show-stopper
For the showstopper, bakers had to create an inventive bake that could be worn. Tom drew on his work as a hairdresser to make a Dolly Parton-inspired wig from banana cake.
The creation included banana sponge and caramel rum banana jam. Tom remained more hopeful than during the previous episode.
Tom said: "Last week mine wasn't even finished, I think I'm gonna finish today."
The bake was well received by the judges, Nigella said: "She looks rather fabulous. It's intoxication by banana."
Paul said: "Overall Tom I think you've done a great job."
Tom will return to the tent next week for Bread Week.