Michael survives poor week at Priya’s expense

Perthshire man criticised for his ‘gaudy’ showstopper but remains in the Bake Off tent

Perthshire’s Michael Chakraverty will return to the Great British Bake Off tent next week despite turning out a “gaudy” showstopper.

Judge Paul Hollywood described his showstopping celebratory bombe as “like something from a 1970s sweet trolley” but admitted the elaborate dessert had “great flavours”.

He added: “I think the overall look is a bit gaudy.”

Michael also struggled in the technical challenge, described as one of the most complex ever set on the Channel 4 baking show.

The seven remaining bakers were asked to recreate a verrine – a layered French dessert.

After his mango layer failed to set properly, Michael finished second last in the challenge.

The contestants were tasked with creating a meringue cake for their signature bake.

Michael combined chocolate and orange but was a bit heavy-handed with the chocolate topping, compromising the texture of the meringue layers, which had “sweated slightly”.

Priya was the unfortunate baker who was sent home.

Meanwhile, Steph continued her high standards by being named star baker for the third time in the series.

Priya had struggled with her timing throughout, but finally managed the clock this week.

However the marketing consultant did not impress with her meringue, and came last in the technical for her verrines.

Her showstopper could not save her from the exit, but Priya said her dream came true by being given a chance in the famous tent, after quitting her corporate job to pursue her passions.

She said after the show: “I have learned so much.

“It’s felt like such a privilege to be in the tent.

“Just a year ago I was kind of a bit stuck, and I thought I am just going to do the things I enjoy.”

She added: “I hope my experience inspires other people to pursue their passions.

“I left a corporate job after a decade and didn’t know where to start, so I simply started with the things that I love to do and I’d say it’s worked out pretty well.”

Hollywood and fellow judge Prue Leith were not impressed with the signatures challenge, which kicked off dessert week, after several contestants failed to master their meringues.

Priya was criticised for her unappealing “mauve” icing.

Steph missed out on a coveted Hollywood handshake but the judge described her showstopper bombe dessert as “perfection”.

Picture: PA. Priya did not impress with her meringue or her technical.