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.
Who was sent home on The Great Australian Bake Off
Week 5 Elimination: Melisa
Melisa was the fourth Bake Off contestant to be sent home.
“Unfortunately, I also have the sad task of sharing who will be leaving us this evening,” host Natalie Tran began at the week five elimination.
“We will deeply miss this baker for so many reasons. The song in their heart, the smile on their face, and the stories of the world they put in everything they create.”
“It’s with great sadness that tonight we say goodbye to Melisa.”
Melisa left with a smile on her face, telling the camera that she had “so much fun” on the show.
“It has been a dream come true in so many ways,” she said.
“I’ve baked 18 different things. I won two technicals. I got Star Baker. So I am so proud of myself.”
Week 4 Elimination: Jason
Jason was the third contestant eliminated from The Great Australian Bake Off.
“This leaves me with the sad job of announcing the baker whose days in the shed have come to an end,” Cal said during the episode.
“This baker has been a delight. Every week, they’ve taken us on a wild ride. From the beautiful grasp of their flavours to their ability to pull out a masterpiece in a few minutes,” she continued.
“They’ve really performed some magic. That’s why we’re really going to miss Jason.”
Despite being eliminated, Jason said he was “really happy” with his last bake on the show and was glad he went out with a cake that he was proud of.
Week 3 Elimination: No one
In a surprising update, judge Darren Purchese shared that in the spirit of fairness, no contestants would be eliminated for Back to Basics week. This was due to an electrical fault that left Laurina without the tools to properly fulfil the requirements of the challenge.
Darren shared that in that same spirit of fairness, however, two people would be eliminated from the competition in the following week.
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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