The Great British Bake Off eliminee: ‘Paul Hollywood has incredible blue eyes’

Marie – who went from Star Baker last week to being sent home after failing to impress with her biscuits – explained that every moment of filming was a “fabulous experience” for her. It’s too soon to pick out a potential victor because, as Great British Bake Off regulars know, the victor of the technical challenge can easily crumble in the showstopper round.

Apologising for her error, the host asked: “I just wrecked it, how can I make amends?” to which Nadiya declared: “If I leave, you’re coming with me”.

Next is Paul Hollywood’s technical challenge, in which the contestants tackle Arlettes – labour-intensive, puff pastry-based treats from southwest France.

Paul complained: “The biscuits look quite – plain?” adding, “The flavour’s a little bit muddled up inside”, while Mary said: “It isn’t really crisp”. A spokeswoman for the corporation said Marie still qualified for the show because she was never a professional baker.

Despite a successful week last week with her show stopping Black Forest Gateaux and a Madeira Cake described as “Perfect” by judge Paul Hollywood, things couldn’t have been more different for Marie the Granny from Scotland.

On Twitter, Emma Thompson said: “I’m annoyed to find out that numerous Great British Bake-Off contestants aren’t amateurs and have previous experience”. An embarrassed Mel admitted: “I just wrecked it. I literally can’t believe I did that and I’m mortified”.

The Perthshire candidate, who is tipped to win the hit BBC competition, studied at the renowned Ecole Escoffier at the Ritz in Paris, where she specialised in patisserie.

However the BBC has already spoken out on the story and confirmed that Marie is not breaking the rules by taking part in the series.