Great British Bake Off 2014: No Sur-PIES As Norman Calder Is Finally Binned

He's won the hearts of the nation with his love of the simple things, but time finally ran out for Norman Calder last night, as the Great British Bake Off passed the halfway mark.

It's been quite a dramatic week for the show that had its humble beginnings on BBC Two four years ago.

Social media campaigns, a front page and even a Newsnight appearance followed the madness that was #BinGate.

And just when we thought things couldn't get anymore dramatic, we learned that Diana Beard had withdrawn following the fourth episode due to illness.

The timing was as bad as some of what Richard displayed last night.

Alas(ka - Sorry Iain) the show must go on, and that it did. Pie week had arrived. A strong group remain in the Bake Off tent.

Whilst there are two, possibly three, frontrunners, the rest were going in on even-footing. Even Norman.

Despite Paul Hollywood's weekly criticism, our Norman continued to take it on the chin, serving up the goods which made him proud.

No matter what the judges threw at him, the 66-year-old put his own simple twist on it.

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No time for fanciness, exotic flavours or eye-popping decoration. Norman was here to do what is in his blood, and bake he did.

This was Norman's swan-song. Despite his popularity with the viewers, Norman had a target above his head and the judges knew it.

Kicking off with his tarte au citron, Mary labelled it under baked, as our Norm's presentation was also put under the spotlight. The tone of the evening was set. Twitter was alight with fear.

Always a true gentleman under criticism, the retired Merchant Navy radio operator battled on in the technical challenge. Facing one of Paul's recipes, this was where his fate would be sealed.

But offering a glimmer of hope, even Paul had to offer even the faintest of praise, as Norman's mini pear pies left him hovering right in the middle.

Sadly, it was another show-stopping disaster that left our baker packing up his ingredient.

It was impossible not to smile as Norm poked fun at himself, declaring that he had been in the competition long enough to try not one, not two, but THREE different types of pastry for his showstopper of at least three pie tiers.

This was it, Norman's battle had reached its finale.

The Pieffel Tower was weeping. No really, the fruit was leaking out the bottom... That and some harsh words for his use of lavender... I don't think Paul and Mary will be asking for a copy of Norman's first cook book.

Paul and Mary said that they could have cancelled this week's elimination following Diana's exit. It would have been a nice gesture, but there was no point in prolonging it for us or Norman.

We've learned so much about the Scotsman over the last five weeks.

Never before did we expect to have pesto, tiramisu and lemon custard tarts described as "exotic" on primetime BBC One. Bizarre. Amazing.

Norman spoke for a generation who enjoy the simpler things in life. And that should be valued, not ridiculed.

He may not be the Bake Off 2014 champion, but he's won the affection of millions of viewers.

Will we find a cook book on our shelves this time next year? Perhaps 'This Morning' will have him in their kitchen? Maybe we'll see him skydiving into the jungle in 'I'm A Celebrity.... Get Me Out of Here!'.

Come on Norman, the world is your oyster. (We're guessing oysters are probably too exotic though, so let's say - the world is your scone!)

TV doesn't get any better than this mighty exchange:

Paul: "I think it's a little simple." Norman: "It kind of reflects my personality."

Thank you for the memories, Norman. And as Sir Bruce would probably have said, keeeeeep baking.

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[Great British Bake Off Episode Three: Should Norman Have Been Sent Home For Keeping Things Simple?]