The Great British Bake Off: The Sixth Baker Leaves The Tent

The nation’s most famous tent was pitched in the grounds of Welford Park once again. Presenters Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond came to lead the latest batch of 12 bakers through thirty brand new challenges set by Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, in ten episodes.

In Tuesday night’s episode of The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4, Jasmine was named Star Baker and sadly Nataliia was the sixth baker to leave the 16th series.

It was pastry week in the tent and the 7 remaining bakers had to impress the judges Paul and Prue to battle it out for Star Baker.

The bakers were hoping for no soggy bottoms as it was Pastry Week on the Great British Bake Off. Paul and Prue set the bakers three pastry challenges and were looking for nothing short of perfection.   In the signature, the bakers kicked off with savoury plaits; then attempted a traditional gala pie in the technical. Finally, the baker’s skills were pushed to the limit with an intricately sculpted tart showstopper.

At the end of the sixth episode Alison announced that Jasmine was Star Baker and Noel had the difficult job of telling Nataliia that she would be leaving the tent.

Nataliia said:  ‘Thank you so much.  I am proud of myself and I think my little girl will be proud and I hope I have made my country a bit proud of me.   Oh my gosh I think I am going to cry (cries).  I have met all these wonderful people, I love you guys you are all so nice. Oh  I am going to cry again!’

Nataliia talks here about her experience after leaving the tent:

*What do you feel that you have learned the most from your experience in the tent? 

I’ve learned to trust myself more — to bake with my heart, to adapt under pressure, and to share my culture with confidence. I’ve also learned that even when something goes wrong, you keep going. That mindset has stayed with me far beyond the tent.

*Overall what was your best and worst moment in the Tent?

The best moment was winning Star Baker in the very first week. My Ukrainian showstopper cake — a topographic map of Ukraine — meant everything to me. It was more than just cake. It was a tribute to my home, my family, and the strength of my country. When it was announced, I could hardly believe it. I was emotional, proud, and so grateful to be seen for who I am — not just as a baker, but as a Ukrainian.

The worst moment was definitely leaving the tent. I didn’t expect it to be so emotional, but everything seemed to come out all at once. I put my heart and soul into everything I did during my time there. I suppose that’s the magic and challenge of Bake Off — one moment can lift you up, and the next can really test you.

*Favourite challenge overall and why.

I really enjoyed the chocolate Showstopper in Week 5. I tried my best to recreate the scene of the volcanic eruption in Pompeii in 79 AD — using tempered chocolate, textured modelling, and layers of ganache to bring it to life. It was a dramatic, creative challenge that combined history, storytelling, and technical skill — all things I love. Even though it was ambitious (and risky!), I was proud of how much I pushed myself.

*Worst challenge and why?

Bread Week was the toughest for me. Yeasted dough and I don’t always get along — especially under time pressure! The dough often needs to be left overnight to rise and we only had 5 hours for everything! I tried to stay calm and adapt, but I knew it wasn’t my strongest bake, and that’s always a hard feeling when you care so much.

*Can you describe how you felt when the presenter announced that you would be leaving how did your fellow Bakers cheer you up.

It was a bit unexpected. I honestly thought my bakes that week were fairly good — and the judges seemed pleased, especially with my Showstopper. So when my name was called, I felt stunned at first. You try to prepare yourself for that moment, but it still hits hard when it comes. I was emotional, of course — not because of disappointment, but because I didn’t feel quite ready to say goodbye.  But the other bakers were amazing. They wrapped me in hugs, kind words, and even a few tears.

*Funniest moment in the tent throughout your time there?

Possibly when one of the bakers dropped their mixer. It made the loudest bang, but we all had a good laugh!

*Did you have a costume disaster any week in the tent, and did you have a lucky T shirt/Top you wore?

No disaster that I can think of, but I did have some lucky shoes! My grey sparkly shoes saw me all the way through from the auditions to the tent.

*Would you wear any of Noel’s jumpers or shirts?

Absolutely! Especially any with animals on them — I feel like my daughter would love and approve them.

*Did you do anything daft with Noel during your time in the tent, and did you get to either sing or dance with Alison?

I think most conversations I had with Noel were a little bit daft! I sometimes find it difficult to communicate in English at the best of times, but bless him, he tried his best and was wonderful with me!   Doesn’t everyone dance with Alison??

*What do you love most about all your fellow bakers

They were kind, funny, creative and very supportive. Even in stressful moments, someone always had a spare spatula, a kind word, or a bit of chocolate to share. We were all so different, but somehow it worked.

*Did anything from the tent happen to slip into your travel bag when you were leaving (no judging)

I didn’t know this was an option, I think I need to go back! To be fair, I was probably too emotional when I left and forgot to take anything.

*Would you encourage other home bakers to apply for the next series?

Absolutely! I never in a million years thought I would be in with a chance. If you love baking and want to challenge yourself, it’s well worth a go! You will have the opportunity to meet some amazing people, whilst having the time of your life. 

*What’s next for you in the baking world?

I’d love to continue baking and sharing more Ukrainian bakes with people in the UK — maybe through pop-ups, books, or even a little cake café one day! I also hope to keep using baking to support Ukrainian causes and connect cultures. Being in the tent gave me the confidence to dream bigger — and now, I’d love to keep going.’

An Extra Slice

Nataliia will join Jo Brand and Tom Allen on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice on 

Friday 10  October on Channel 4 at 8.00 pm. 

Biography

Nataliia

32

East Yorkshire 

Office Assistant

Born in Ukraine, Nataliia was taught to bake by her grandmother, following traditional recipes that have been handed down through the generations. She loves to use these recipes to this day and also infuses classic British bakes with flavours inspired by her roots such as honey, poppy seeds and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Nataliia moved to the UK with her husband Harry four years ago, just before the war broke out. Her family followed shortly after as refugees and they now all live in East Yorkshire with their 3 year old daughter, Francesca. An economics graduate with an artistic streak, Nataliia loves painting, running, and countryside walks with her Ukrainian rescue dog Aria.