Tom Hetherington became the fourth contestant to be eliminated from The Great British Bake Off 2017 after he found himself in a sticky situation during the first ever caramel week.
The latest episode featured a brand new theme for the show, with three tasks based on caramel – a notoriously difficult substance to make.
For the Signature challenge, the bakers had to craft 18 identical millionaires’ shortbreads.
Liam again excelled with his flavours, earning one of judge Paul Hollywood’s coveted handshakes for his tried and tested peanut butter caramel.
Kate’s ‘salted bay’ shortbreads were also popular for their “delicate pattern” and “spot-on texture”.
On the other hand, Tom suffered two mishaps, first splitting his caramel by pouring his chocolate topping on too early.
He then failed to cut his finished bake, forcing him to serve it to Paul and Prue Leith as two slabs.
The Technical round involved the Dutch favourite, stroopwafels – which Prue chose because she didn’t think any of the contestants would have attempted them before.
To make it trickier, her recipe only allowed for one test waffle.
The challenge proved to be a disaster all round, with nobody producing an adequate caramel.
Stacey’s waffles were the best of a bad bunch, putting her top of Prue and Paul’s ranking, followed by James and Liam.
Julia came last with her “overbaked” and “grainy” efforts, behind Yan.
For the Showstopper, the bakers had to demonstrate “mad skills” for caramel cakes with three sponge layers.
They were required to incorporate spun sugar in to their decorations.
Liam impressed with the “colour” and “contrast” of his cake, but this time it was Kate who received the best review.
Prue called her “masterful” toffee apple creation “the best cake I’ve ever eaten in my life”.
Meanwhile, Tom again came under fire for his “gooey” and “underbaked” cake – while James was criticised for his “simplistic” design.
Eventually, Liam was pipped to the Star Baker title by Kate.
“I didn’t expect that, I’ll be walking around all week with a massive smile,” she grinned.
Three poorly-rated bakes then meant it was Tom who was sent home.
“Disappointed to be leaving, but I did a really bad cake, I think it’s totally fair,” he said.
Paul said of Tom’s departure: “It was just an off day for him. Unfortunately on Bake Off, one slip and that’s it.”
The Great British Bake Off continues next Tuesday at 8.00pm on Channel 4 with pudding week.
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