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Bake Off: Gok Wan's Competitive Streak Comes Out As He Battles Beauty Vlogger Zoella For Star Baker

The competition reached new heights last night (literally) with two edible Shards battling it out for the Bake Off crown

The oven mitts came flying off last night as the worlds of fashion and beauty battled it out for culinary greatness.

Right up until the last minute, the Star Baker title was too close to call, as stylist Gok Wan, model Abbey Clancy and fashion and beauty vlogger Zoe Suggs (aka Zoella) attempted to whip, beat and pipe their way to victory.

Back from a five-year exile from the BBC after the Sachsgate affair and on his very best behaviour, Jonathan Ross also joined the line up. Gok, however, quickly dismissed him (and everyone else) as a serious competitor: ‘Jonathan, no way; Zoella, maybe, Abbey, beautiful, but not good in the kitchen.’

I'm still gonna win. Competitive much, Gok? (BBC)
I'm still gonna win. Competitive much, Gok? (BBC)



With nothing but the annihilation and humiliation of his competitors on his mind, Gok admitted to spending 32 hours the previous week perfecting his self-styled Geisha Cupcakes (which, according to Paul, looked more like Roy Orbison).

Jonathan also looked to the East for inspiration, but as Mary witheringly observed, his Lapsang Souchong bake smacked more of whisky than tea.

In the technical challenge, Wossy unsettled Gok, showing early promise with his profiteroles – ‘Why has he got his whisk out already?’ – but some overzealous piping put the broadcaster firmly back on the subs bench. ‘Ooh, I do love a Yorkshire pud’, Gok cackled as he inched closer towards Bake Off glory.

What does Berry know?! Er, more than you Wossy! (BBC)
What does Berry know?! Er, more than you Wossy! (BBC)



Battle of the Shards
Entering the final round, Mary said it would take a miracle for Jonathan to win, so then there were three.

The celebs were challenged with making a 3D marble cake inspired by their favourite building. Abbey and Gok went head to head with replicas of The Shard.

Abbey unfathomably thought it would be an easy shape to make, while Gok went one step further (naturally) – his rendering of the iconic tower would be an abstract vision, a view from the bottom, looking up.

Zoella's Brighton beach hut takes a tumble (BBC)
Zoella's Brighton beach hut takes a tumble (BBC)



Zoella, in homage to her hometown of Brighton, opted for a beach hut and Jonathan, still convinced he was in with a chance, bless him, went all out with the Royal Albert Hall topped with a meringue roof.

There was no time for stripes (BBC)
There was no time for stripes (BBC)



Clearly oblivious to his standing in the competition, JR said he was adopting a ‘Zen approach’ to his creation, a tactic that may have proved a tad too successful – he had the grill setting on by mistake and burnt the top of his base cake.

Pushed for time, Zoe was forced to take her beach hut out of the oven earlier than planned, causing the roof to cave in. This left just Gok and Abbey and their Shards in the running. Abbey went with a Jenga-like construction, which did what Jenga does best – toppled unceremoniously to the ground.

A hefty supply of toothpicks and dowels later and she was ready to present her ‘chocolate-covered rod’ to the judges. But, despite some disappointing marbling in the sponge, it was the ‘blood, sweat, tears…and a little bit of glitter’ that went into Gok’s Shard that secured him the prize.

This 'Shard' won Gok Bake Off. For reals (BBC)
This 'Shard' won Gok Bake Off. For reals (BBC)

Well done, Gok! As ruthless in the kitchen as you are with our wardrobes. We salute you!

[Comic Relief Bake Off Part One: Soggy Bottoms Were The Last Of This Lot's Problems]
[Who Is Zoella Anyway?]