Great British Bake Off fans devastated as favourite exits in surprise Autumn Week elimination

The Great British Bake Off witnessed a surprise departure in the latest episode - as a fan favourite was sent packing.

Nelly, who works in palliative care, became the sixth bake-off hopeful to exit the tent after her Autumn Week creations failed to wow the judges. The contenders were challenged to whip up a seasonally inspired sweet pie, followed by a vegan technical challenge.

It was during the showstopping round, where they were tasked with baking a cake that honours seasonal veg, that disaster struck for Nelly, leading to her becoming the sixth contestant to wave goodbye, while Sumayah bagged the title of Star Baker.

Viewers were left heartbroken to watch Nelly leave the competition, especially after she remained upbeat, saying: "It's not commiseration, it is a positive, I am so ready to leave. I never ever thought I would get to round six! I know my children are so proud."

She continued, "It's not to teach them to win, it is to teach them to enjoy. Don't cry! Everyone is crying... Of course I am happy in each of your heart is a piece of Nelly and you are never going to forget me. Cake we can bake! I was ready to leave and felt it was my time to go."

Her departure sparked uproar among fans, who voiced their displeasure on social media.

Viewers were left heartbroken after Bake Off favourite Nelly was eliminated, with fans flooding social media with their disappointment. One fan exclaimed: "#bakeoff the worst thing you could ever have done was get rid of Nelly! Literally the only reason I was watching, she is amazing. Bring back Nelly! ! @BritishBakeOff," while another voiced their support, saying: "Nelly was robbed her showstopper was better than Dylan's. So much more time, effort, decoration and flavours! And what a fantastic woman! She made me laugh every week and I will miss her!"

Another viewer expressed a mixture of emotions, commenting: "Gutted for Nelly as she was a breath of fresh air but also happy Dylan stayed on. Incredible bakers the lot of them," and another lamented the loss, noting: "Won't be the same without her. She definitely needs her own show! #gbbo #bakeoff."

The calls for a spin-off were undeniably strong, with a fan suggesting: "I hope are already in talks with Nelly for her own show? Not prepared to live a future that has no more Nelly on the telly. #GBBO," and another humorously declared: "Now, we riot... #gbbo #nelly #bakeoff KEEP NELLY ON THE TELLY! ! @Channel4."

*The Great British Bake Off airs Tuesdays at 8pm on Channel 4.