The second episode of Bake Off season 15 has been full of gasp-worthy moments. While it's true that the snapping, crumbling biscuit challenges were partially to blame, the real panic-inducing drama occurred outside of the tests and had everything to do with the contestants falling ill.
First to fall unwell was New Yorker Jeff for a second week running, followed by Illiyin. Even Dylan had a fall. So what's going on in the tent? Why is everyone, to quote Andy, "dropping like flies"?
What's wrong with Jeff? Why did the contestant leave Bake Off?
Jeff was the first contestant to fall ill. In the debut episode of series 15, Jeff was unable to make it to the technical challenge and was excused for the remainder of the episode, which meant no one was eliminated.
The charming baker with a Brooklyn twang made a valiant return this week, though he was not quite his usual self, despite the mugs of tea he was downing (an American thing, according to Jeff).
Jeff rallied through the signature bake, churning out some punchy Viennese biscuits with a "proper New York coffee" taste. He even made it to the technical challenge this time around, but was unable to power through and made the decision to graciously bow out.
Has Jeff left Bake Off for good?
Jeff has officially left Bake Off. In a to-camera scene, he shared: "This time around just wasn't right for me. I really enjoyed it. Everyone has been wonderful, you've got a great group of bakers in there. Alright, I didn't make it very far, but there you go."
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Jeff also wasn't featured in the any of the previews for episode three, which feels pretty conclusive.
Of his premature departure presenter Noel Fielding said: "So we lost Jeff again. It's a lot of pressure in the tent I think, if you're not feeling 100%."
Co-presenter Alison Hammond added: "That Brooklyn energy will be missed. I really liked him. We really wish him well."
Digital Spy has reached out to Channel 4 for comment, but at the moment, it's not clear what is wrong with Jeff and if it is related to the other baker who has also fallen ill.
What's wrong with Illiyin from Bake Off?
Illiyin had been going on fairly steadily throughout episode two of Bake Off.
Though there were flaws, the judges enjoyed the sharpness coming from the orange in her pistachio and white chocolate Viennese biscuits. And while she ranked eighth in the technical challenge for her mint cream biscuits, the flavour and texture were praised by judge Paul Hollywood.
The midwife from Norfolk was able to just about complete her showstopper when she suddenly fell ill.
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"I just feel a bit dizzy," Illiyin said before fainting. Medics then rushed in and put her in the recovery position. Following that, Illiyin was out for the remainder of the episode, with Noel stepping in to submit her bake for judging.
Digital Spy reached out to Channel 4 for comment. However, there is still no clear answer as to why Illiyin fell ill or if it was connected to Jeff's illness.
What happened to Dylan on Bake Off?
Following the spat of illness, Bake Off's Dylan worried his fellow contestants when he tumbled from his stool to the floor after during the show-stopper judging.
However, he was quick to reassure those around him that he'd just fallen while reaching for his water bottle. Phew.
The Great British Bake Off and its spin-off Bake Off: An Extra Slice both air on Channel 4 in the UK. In the US, it's known as The Great British Baking Show, and streams on Netflix.
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TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters degree in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally within the industry ever since. For six years she honed her analytical reviewing skills at the Good Housekeeping institute eventually becoming Acting Head of Food testing. She also freelanced in the field of film and TV journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021 she joined Digital Spy as TV writer where she gets to delve into more of what she loves, watching copious amounts of telly all in the name of work. Since taking on the role she has conducted red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time she also moonlights as a published author, the book Gothic Angel.
