After ten weeks of baking showstoppers, soggy bottoms and pastry puns, the final of this year’s Great British Bake Off is finally upon us, airing on Wednesday, October 8 on BBC One at 8pm.
This year’s finalists are builder Richard Burr, retired NHS practice manager Nancy Birtwhistle and graphic designer Luis Troyano. The odds on favourite will be Richard, who has won star baker a record breaking five times this series and consecutively for the last three weeks. Knowledgeable Nancy must surely be in for a chance, providing a consistent (if not always conventional) performance. Detail-oriented Luis provides the best visual display week after week, but can his baking knock Richard off his pedastool and cause an upset in the final? Here’s our take:
Richard Burr
Highlights: Where to begin? How about by mentioning for a second time that he’s won star baker a record-breaking five times. As early as week one, Paul Hollywood told builder Richard he was “in the wrong profession” after trying one of Richard’s creations. That’s some endorsement! Since then – apart from a mid-series blip where Richard turned out some questionable work (burnt pies anyone?) – he’s gone from strength to strength, notably creating non-soapy-tasting lavender and rose éclairs on an éclair stair and candy themed doughnuts (rhubard and custard, and toffee apple, can I say yum?).
Our prediction: If ever there was a favourite for winning the Great British Bake Off, Richard is it. We don’t even mind. This guy is so likeable we were rooting for him since day one and spent the evenings on the edge of our seats after he was one of the poorest performers in Week 5 and 6.
Nancy Birtwhistle
Highlights: Reliable Nancy was showing all the other contestants exactly how things should be done from week one, when she was both top of the technical challenge and crowned star baker for her efforts. She’s never recreated the Nancy buzz of week one, but she’s been consistent and has never scored lower than fifth in the technical challenges. Nancy notably has a a number of inventions to make her cooking easier (made by husband), is enthusiastic about the use of microwaves in baking and is known for ignoring “the male judge.” She also created some frowning doughnuts that looked uncannily like Paul Hollywood.
Our prediction: It depends on individual circumstances, but we think with the absence of any microwave related disasters, Nancy should be on course to pick up second place.
Luis Troyano
Highlights: Luis has been one to watch since week two’s stunning dragon biscuit tower, and since then he’s delivered week after week on creating visions of beauty and often taste. Anything involving his sugarwork must be noted as a highlight, and his really excellent American themed éclairs. His biggest highlight came in week three when Paul Hollywood asked to shake his hand after trying some of Luis’ sensational rye bread rolls. Luis has since said that Paul’s reaction “made my century.”
Our prediction: Luis is probably vying with Nancy for second place, but if he has an exceptional week then he has everything is to play for. Otherwise, we see him coming in a respectable third.
The Great British Bake Off: The Final will air October 8 at 8pm on BBC One. Who do you guys think will win the series, and who was your favourite contestant overall? Let us know below!