Who left Bake Off this week?

It was Nadia's turn to leave the tent during Chocolate Week. The hairdresser from Liverpool said she "had the best time and made some amazing friends" during her time on the show. "I was fine about leaving in week five," she continued: "I was fine because I knew it was my week to go and I'd missed my kids, but I was also gutted too!"

Reflecting on her highlights and most challenging moments, she said: "I had so many good moments in the tent, and my biscuit box showstopper was probably my best moment, and the worst moment for me was the week I left. My favourite challenge overall was the filled monkey bread, as I love making things I've never done before, and now it's a family favourite. My worst challenge overall was chocolate week because it was hard to work with and very temperamental."

Jessika was eliminated from the competition in week four. The service designer said, "This was going to be my last year to apply, and I feel chuffed that I made it to the tent. I have met some incredibly talented, inspiring bakers, so it’s not all bad."

Sadly, it was Jessika's showstopper where "everything went wrong".

"My oven, my microwave, my cake, my biscuits, my meringue," she explained. "I was running back and forth trying to temper the chocolate, and it all just fell apart. It was a complete disaster. Oops!"

Pui Man bid farewell to the Bake Off tent during Bread Week. The bridal designer, who lives in Essex, said she was "a little bit disappointed" to be heading home, adding: "But I was doing well most of the time, but I am part of the Bake Off family now, so it’s not a bad thing."

Reflecting on her three weeks on the show, she revealed that her highlight was when Prue said her Swiss Roll was delicious and that her worst moment was when Paul described her Showstopper cake as "cartoon".

On what she learned from the experience, Pui said: "I learned so much from the other bakers and I also realised that they love my opinions and wanted to learn from me as well."

This week, we said a heartfelt goodbye to Leighton, the 59-year-old software delivery manager from Surrey, who became the second contestant to leave the tent during Biscuit Week.

Tom was named Star Baker by Alison, while Noel delivered the news that Leighton would be heading home. 

Reflecting on his exit, Leighton said: "I felt really sad when Noel said I was going home. In that moment, it felt like I'd let myself down. 

"I was so ecstatic just to make it into the tent, and I'm incredibly proud of myself for doing something so far outside my comfort zone. 

"But I couldn't help feeling like I hadn't quite got going – I was really looking forward to pastry and bread weeks, and it was tough knowing I wouldn't get the chance to show what I could do."

Did his fellow bakers cheer him up, though? "The other bakers were amazing," said Leighton. They rallied around me with hugs, kind words and so much support. 

"It reminded me that Bake Off isn't just about the bakes – it's about the people, the friendships and the shared experience. I may have left the tent, but I gained a whole new baking family."

Week one was a mix of emotions for Hassan, who was the first person to leave the tent in the 16th series. 

After Noel announced that Nataliia was Star Baker during Cake Week, Alison had the sad job of telling Hassan that he would be leaving the tent.

Upon his exit, Hassan said: "I think I am a bit upset, but I did expect it. Everyone is such a phenomenal baker, they are all such lovely people. 

"And even though it's been a short-lived experience I have enjoyed it. Hopefully I can reflect on some things and then maybe get back to baking when I get a chance."

When asked about his favourite memory, he added: "My best moment was when I got told where I was going to be baking for episode one, walking up to my bench and seeing all my ingredients and my recipe there, and just being excited thinking "finally getting ready to do some baking!"