The most wholesome show made is back – and it’s sweet as pie. Yep, The Great Australian Bake Off has returned for Season 8, seeing a cohort of budding bakers head into the shed to battle it out in the loveliest competition we’ve set our eyes on.

It’s hard not to feel happy and warm when watching Bake Off – whether it’s the Aussie rendition or the original British version from across the pond. As the weeks go on, competitors bake pastries, cakes, and breads to win the big prize.

The 2024 season will be particularly emotional after the sad passing of the late Cal Wilson. She passed away in October following a short battle with cancer at the age of 53. She had already filmed four episodes of Season 8. The season is sure to tug at our heartstrings even more.

While the competition is largely feel-good, there’s always a sad side to it, with the reality that one hopeful baker needs to be sent home each week. Ahead, everyone who has sadly been sent home from The Great Australian Bake Off Season 8.

Week 2 Elimination: Vicki

Government Officer Vicki was the second person sent home on The Great Australian Bake Off. Host Natalie Tran tearfully broke the news.

“Each day, they filled the shed with sweetness and joy, and we are so sorry to say goodbye to Vicki,” she said.

Vicki said she was honoured to be a part of the show.

“I’m sad to be going, but at the same time, I’m just so excited that I got the experience in the first place. Meeting some amazing people and just giving it my all and having a great time,” she said.

Week 1 Elimination: Jill

Episode 1 saw a bunch of bakers battle it out for the first challenge of the season: Cake Week!

But it was a rough start for Jill, who, despite having a lovely tasting cake in the first challenge, was critiqued for the lack of icing and that it might be “too simple”.

The second blind challenge asked for a lemon curd cake, with Jill scoring the 5th spot.

The third ‘showstopper’ challenge required contestants to create an epic two-tiered birthday cake with beautiful decorations.

But things went downhill after her pina colada cake toppled over just moments before bringing it to the judges.

The judges were heartbroken for her, given how much hard work she had put in. They shared that the cake tasted delicious, but unfortunately, due to the pineapple jam, the cake had lost its structure and fallen over, clearly not delivering on the looks department.

“Straight away, this baker gave us a feeling of home,” judge Cal Wilson said when the time came to announce the elimination. “And their warmth and humour are proof that some classics never go out of style.”

“We are so sorry to say goodbye to Jill.”

It was a teary farewell. However, Jill remained in high spirits.

“I feel great,” Jill said. “I’ve had a really good time, and I actually learned a lot from the other bakers too.”

The 70-year-old from New South Wales had a passion for baking cakes and said that entering the Bake Off shed had been a dream of hers.

You can watch The Great Australian Bake Off every week Wednesday at 8:30pm on BINGE. You can also stream episodes from Season 6 on BINGE.

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