Sixth baker leaves the tent after failing pastry test

Julia philosophical in Great British Bake Off defeat

The Great British Bake Off’s Julia has said she knew she “would not win or get to the final” as she became the sixth baker eliminated from the competition.

The 21-year-old from Russia, who lives in West Sussex with her husband, failed to impress judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood with her three creations for pastry week.

The signature challenge, which saw the seven remaining bakers tasked with creating four savoury shortcrust pies, was Julia’s first downfall.

She included baking powder in her pastry, dubbed a “mistake” by Leith.

She came in last place in the technical challenge, her pasteis de nata – Portuguese custard tarts – resembling shortcrust pastry rather than the desired flaky pastry.

In the showstopper round, Julia’s hand-raised pie with a hot water crust pastry base received criticism from both Hollywood and Leith.

They said her effort could have been neater, that the pastry was undercooked and that her shredded chicken filling was dry.

As she was announced the latest casualty of the Bake Off, presenter Sandi Toksvig became emotional and hugged Julia.

Toksvig told her: “I am so sorry, sorry sweetheart. You did amazing. You know that, right? You did incredible.”

Following her exit from the programme, Julia said: “I knew that I wouldn’t win or get to the final, but I enjoyed every week, and to get to over half way through the series is something I am really grateful for.”

Liam, 19, was named Star Baker for his efforts in pastry week, his first time with the accolade.

Julia said she was grateful to have got over half way.