The Great British Bake Off season 15, episode 4, spoilers follow.
The Great British Bake Off star Mike Wilkins has thanked Alison Hammond for "the love, laughter and hugs" following the latest show exit.
Tuesday's (October 15) episode was all about Caramel Week in the Bake Off tent, where the remaining bakers made 12 Caramel Biscuits in the Signature, whipped up a Pear Tart in the Technical, and finished off with a Caramel Mousse Cake in the Showstopper round.
Unfortunately, Mike couldn't impress the judges with his Coffee Popcorn Mousse Cake and was eliminated from the competition.
Mike reflected on the Bake Off experience in a note posted on the show's Twitter / X account, where Alison Hammond was singled out for her comforting presence on set.
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"Every person I have met throughout this experience has been among the most glorious people I have ever had the good fortune to know," Mike wrote. "I have been made to feel welcomed and supported at every single second."
The baker went on: "Bake Off is so tremendously special and its joy and laughter and positivity has boosted me for years as a dedicated fan! Now, to be part of the family and part of Bake Off history is a privilege that I will cherish and treasure forever!
"I have also made 11 spectacularly wonderful lifelong friends – how can I possibly express my gratitude for that? As for Alison, the love, laughter and hugs are even better than I ever dared to hope!"
Mike then thanked Noel and Alison for their "unending support", while he praised Paul and Prue for their "brilliant feedback".
"From showcasing my favourite queer books, to celebrating British farming and farm produce in every bake, I am so proud of everything I have achieved," Mike added.
"I just hope that I haven't let anyone down and that everyone has enjoyed watching a fraction as much as I have enjoyed being here! GBBO you have my heart."
Last week, John sadly had to say goodbye to the other bakers when he had trouble making his bagels rise in a Showstopper challenge where everyone created a bread cornucopia.
The baker was a good sport following his exit, writing in his farewell letter that even getting to the Bake Off tent should inspire viewers to chase their dreams.
"What a journey it has been," John recalled in his letter. "Who would have thought after being a Bake Off fan-boy for 14 years, I'd be one of the bakers?"
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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Justin is a freelance entertainment journalist and writer. He first joined Digital Spy as a freelance entertainment reporter in 2010 and also worked as a sub-editor for the brand, serving as Night News Editor from 2016 to 2024. Over more than a decade, Justin has covered numerous major entertainment events from the US and has interviewed a wide-ranging group of public figures, from comedian Steve Coogan to icons from the Star Trek universe, cast members from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reality stars from numerous Real Housewives cities and the Below Deck franchise. Justin has also been on the ground to cover major pop culture events like the Star Wars Celebration and the D23 Expo. He's written for titles across the Hearst network, plus the likes of CBR and Us Weekly.
