The three staple episodes of Bake Off have now aired: Cake Week, Biscuit Week and Bread Week. During that time, we’ve already had a Hollywood Handshake, a cake miraculously being saved from collapsing and more innuendos than you can shake a stick at – doughnut holes are always a crowd pleaser.
I’d say I’ve now earned the accolade of being a long-time fan of The Great British Bake Off (or The Great British Baking Show, as it’s known in the US). As such, I’ve noticed patterns in the types of contestants that make it all the way to the end. While some are standouts from the beginning, others demonstrate bold choices and innovative designs that indicate promise and growth for future weeks.
While I won’t bet on who will lift that iconic plate trophy, as much can depend on what happens in the last challenges, I am willing to take a punt on the three contestants that I think could go all the way to the final episode… and they may not be who you’re expecting.
Predicted Bake Off finalist 1: Tom
Tom is probably on most people’s betting lists for the GBBO series 16 finale, and it’s easy to see why.
So far, he has the best track record of any contestant, having both won Star Baker in week two and been in discussion for the accolade in both other episodes. He also got the first Hollywood Handshake of this year… although I have become more annoyed with that tradition over time. They used to be a lot rarer, such as one per series rather than three per episode (yes, that happened, and I’ve never forgiven Paul).
His most impressive creation so far is the ‘Granny’s Cottage’ Biscuit Time Capsule, which looked like it was taken straight out of an oil painting. It apparently tasted just as delicious, made from cardamom gingerbread (a flavour that’s “really tricky” to get right according to Paul), with textures that were seemingly faultless.
Tom’s only kryptonite so far has been the Technicals. He came last in week one and then has placed solely in the middle of the board. That’s a far cry from someone like Toby, who was placed first two weeks in a row. However, I would argue that the Technicals aren’t a true indication of your overall place in the competition.
Predicted Bake Off finalist 2: Jasmine
Jasmine hadn’t initially been on my radar for this selective group… until now.
Week three’s episode saw her shine, placing first in the dreaded doughnut Technical (which many contestants struggled with), and producing a ‘Midsummer Flower Crown’ Sweet Bread Showstopper celebration loaf that wouldn’t have looked out of place at the Chelsea Flower Show, complete with tasty cinnamon and cardamom flavours, and a great bake to boot.
Presentation and artistic flair seem to be a strength for Jasmine, with an intricately and delicately painted gingerbread box in week two’s Showstopper, which Paul praised as ‘perfect’ twice over, thanks to the different types of biscuits inside. Her Signature Swiss roll in week one also had a very neat and aesthetically pleasing pink finish to it.
She hasn’t had any ‘disasters’ to speak of just yet, with bakes that were criticised still really in the middle of the pack. Plus, her cheery and easy-going demeanour shows her taking feedback in her stride.
Jasmine is one to watch. Not only will those decoration skills be pivotal in future Showstopper challenges, but her success in the Technicals proves she can follow a recipe well and use her initiative where needed – and that combination certainly seems like finalist material.
Predicted Bake Off finalist 3: Jessika
This last pick may seem like an outlier, as Jessika hasn’t yet been given the accolade of Star Baker, nor has she placed first in a Technical – but hear me out. The top three nearly always include a baker willing to take risks and experiment, and Jessika fits that bill perfectly.
Take her Showstopper during Biscuit Week. Not only did she go above and beyond by creating an intricate stained-glass-style box, but she also made a biscuit puppet of herself – something that Paul had never seen in his 16 years of being in the tent.
Her profile shows that she loves using bold and daring flavours, such as Jerusalem artichoke caramel with a dark chocolate mousse. While playing it safe with tastes may work for other contestants in earlier weeks, the judges will almost certainly be searching for bakes that step outside of the usual expectations further down the line.
In week one, her ‘Birthday Morning’ Landscape Cake was praised due to its “stunning” toffee apple flavour, which Paul acknowledged is difficult to get right as it often becomes claggy. While Jessika hasn’t yet received the same awards as the other two contestants on this list (not to mention Natalia, who just missed the cut), I think she’s got the guts to go all the way.
Related articles
