The highly anticipated semi-final of The Great British Bake Off is just around the corner, with the amateur bakers battling it out to make the top three.
Peter, Hermine, Laura and Dave remain in the competition, with all four hoping to impress judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith and gain a spot in the grand final.
And ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final, the contestants opened up about their GBBO journey, with Peter revealing he’s glad he didn’t make it on the show in the past, while Laura admits she initially hated watching herself on TV.
Revealing all: Ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final, the contestants opened up about their Great British Bake Off journey, with Peter revealing he’s glad he didn’t make it on the show in the past
In a new interview with the Radio Times, the contestants discussed what it was like living in a huge bubble with everyone, their love of baking and why they applied for the much-loved Channel 4 programme.
Student Peter, who has watched every series of Bake Off revealed he first applied to the show two years ago, but failed to make it to the screen – something which he’s happy about.
He said: ‘I have loved the programme for such a long time. I’d applied two years ago and got through a few rounds of the application process, but I’m now glad that I didn’t get on the show then. The extra time has made me better prepared – both as a baker and for being in the public eye.’
Admission: Semi-finalist Laura admitted she initially hated watching herself on TV
And the extra time seems to have paid off as the Edinburgh-born contestant has produced some stunning bakes throughout the series and had even won star baker in the very first week.
Speaking about that honour, he exclaimed that it ‘felt a bit like Christmas!’ adding that previous to the accolade, he was ‘so nervous’, but it gave him a huge ‘confidence boost’ that stayed with him through the competition.
His impressive performances in the tent has also seen him branded the baby-faced assassin by host Noel Fielding, a title which Peter embraced on his Bake Off journey.
Ready, set, bake! The highly anticipated semi-final of The Great British Bake Off is just around the corner, with the amateur bakers battling it out to make the top three
Who’s going to win: Peter, Hermine, Laura and Dave (pictured alongside eliminated baker Mark) remain in the competition, with all four hoping to impress judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith and gain a spot in the grand final
Speaking of the nickname, he said: ‘Haha, I love it! I wouldn’t have ever named myself that, but I quite like it. I always wanted my friends in the tent to do well, but at the same time I am competitive and always wanted to put in my best performance. I also tried to be as calm and collected in the tent as I possibly could… so maybe that’s a bit like being an assassin!’
Star bakers: In a new interview with the Radio Times , the contestants discussed what it was like living in a huge bubble with everyone, their love of baking and why they applied for the much-loved Channel 4 programme
Elsewhere, while GBBO super fan was chuffed to be on the show, she admitted to not liking seeing herself on screen in the beginning.
She explained: ‘I hated watching myself at first, but it’s strange how quickly I’ve got used to it. The thing I’ve enjoyed the most is seeing what everyone has been up to, as you tend to keep your head down and only focus on your own bench.’
The Gravesend native also opened up about her struggles with anxiety and fears of getting trolled over her weight, before going on to say that the weeks on the show went on to give her huge confidence boost.
She went on to say that she needn’t have been worried as a majority of the feedback had been ‘positive’, adding the support has been ‘overwhelming’.
Second chance: Student Peter, who has watched every series of Bake Off revealed he first applied to the show two years ago, but failed to make it to the screen – something which he’s happy about
The blonde beauty, who developed a serious passion for baking four years ago, also said that the experience and support had made her see that there are lots of ‘good people in the world.’
Meanwhile, Hermine opened up on what it was like living in the Bake Off bubble, which saw all the contestants, judges and crew live together in a hotel for six weeks so that they wouldn’t have to social distance during filming.
She explained that there were ’11 other bakers’ going through the ‘same experience’, in which they could share their ‘fears, frustrations, joy and sadness.’
The mum-of-one, who has won star baker twice in-a-row, added that everyone is still in touch and she’s had a social-distanced meet-up with some, but can’t wait to see everyone else if Covid restrictions allow.
Apprehensive: Elsewhere, while GBBO super fan was chuffed to be on the show, she admitted to not liking seeing herself on screen in the beginning
Experience: Meanwhile, Hermine opened up on what it was like living in the Bake Off bubble, which saw all the contestants, judges and crew live together in a hotel for six weeks so that they wouldn’t have to social distance during filming
Finally, Dave revealed he initially found it ‘tough’ to find the time to practice his bakes as partner Stacey gave birth to their son Ronnie at the beginning of lockdown.
The new dad, who was awarded star baker in biscuit week added that he needed to be there for his family at the beginning as they ‘went through a lot’, stating that baking did have to take a back seat at times.
He went on to say that though he’s looking forward to returning to his job as a security guard, he does however have his heart set on a baking career that hopefully involves chocolate sculpting and pâtisserie.
The pre-recorded Great British Bake Off Semi-final: Patisserie week airs Tuesday 17th November at 8pm on Channel 4, followed by the grand final on Tuesday 24th November.
Balance: Finally, Dave revealed he initially found it ‘tough’ to find the time to practice his bakes as partner Stacey gave birth to their son Ronnie at the beginning of lockdown
Almost over: The pre-recorded Great British Bake Off Semi-final: Patisserie week airs Tuesday 17th November at 8pm on Channel 4, followed by the grand final on Tuesday 24th November