Lewis AdamsEssex and
Sonia WatsonBBC Essex
Channel 4/Love ProductionsA contestant on The Great British Bake Off was unsure whether to blame “the yeast or the curse of the tent” after her elimination.
Bridal designer Pui Man, who was born in Hong Kong but lives in Chigwell, Essex, was knocked out in the third episode that was broadcast on Tuesday.
The 51-year-old said she met some “amazing bakers” during filming and had made friends for life.
“It was very sad I had to go, but I had an amazing time,” she told BBC Essex.
The Channel 4 programme pits 12 amateur bakers against each other to compete for the title of “Star Baker” throughout 30 different challenges.
Pui was eliminated during bread week, where the bakers were tasked with making savoury monkey bread, 12 glazed ring doughnuts and a sweet bread with three tiers.
However, she ran into trouble when her doughnuts were over-fried and under-proofed, putting her in last place.
Channel 4/Love Productions“I thought I did well, but unfortunately the doughnuts didn’t rise enough,” the baker said.
“I don’t know why and I still don’t know why. Maybe the yeast or the curse of the tent.”
Pui said it was “very sad” to exit the show, judged by Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, adding: “I thought I could go further.”
It had been difficult to balance engaging with the camera while baking, she admitted.
The mother-of-two described it as “the most difficult thing I’ve ever done”, but hailed her experience as “amazing”.
She wanted to use her TV appearance to inspire the creation of her own bridal business.
Pui also promised to make plenty of gingerbread houses and biscuits in the run-up to Christmas.