Great British Bake Off fans 'in tears' as Channel 4 show comes to an end

Channel 4's Bake Off: The Professionals crowned the 2024 winners this evening (July 8) as fans at home were left feeling a bit emotional. Some admitted they were "in tears" as they watched the baking competition end for another year.

The final of Britain's toughest patisserie competition, which was hosted by Ellie Taylor and Liam Charles, saw the remaining three teams create an Afternoon Tea display and make a banquet celebrating the very best of British. Judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden gave their final criticisms as the teams whipped up towering sugar and chocolate showpieces and enough desserts to feed 120 people.

Gerol and Michael, Tanuj and Narayan and Bharat and John all found themselves tackling this year's final challenges. But it was Tanuj and Narayan from The Intercontinental London at The O2 who were crowned this year's champions.

Judge Cherish admitted that they felt a "tingle" over the winners' final challenge, as she said: "Their final challenge sent a tingle down my spine. I can’t tell you how proud I am. They impressed me from day one and each week they came back stronger and stronger."

The pastry chef added: "I am delighted for TJ and Narayan they have been the most consistent team and the level of their work and experience has been the greatest."

The team were delighted with their win, as team captain Tanuj said: "We did it, I can’t believe it but we did it! You can see on my face, the tears and the smiles and I am just so happy to see my mum and dad standing there and being so proud of me.

"I was so emotional when they announced our names, it is literally our dream come true."

He added: "The moment we heard our names announced everyone was quite emotional, the whole room was a bit teary. Me and Narayan were in tears, but they were happy tears as we had put so much hard work into this. For us, we were a bit exhausted but it was an immensely proud moment.

"We brought the trophy back to the hotel but, of course, had to keep it in hiding until tonight. It has pride of place in the hotel lobby, the ideal place for everyone to see it!"

It seems fans at home felt somewhat emotional too as they shared their thoughts on X (formerly Twitter). One user penned: "Oh no! I forgot the final had emotional message from the family. Getting the tissues just in case any of them make me well up." Another added: "Don’t know why I’m blarting at #GBBO..."

The Channel 4 show announced the winners on their official social media accounts as soon as the show aired - much to the dismay of another viewer. The disgruntled fan replied: "Thank you that my weekend ruined I watch this on catch up".