As The Great British Bake Off returned on Tuesday night, hairdresser Nadia Mercuri fell victim to the dreaded chocolate week. Often referred to as one of the most cursed weeks on the programme, many bakers have struggled to work with chocolate amid the soaring summer temperatures in the tent.
For this year’s challenge, the contestants were tasked with making mousse cups, a tart and a fondue display, but after giving it her all, Nadia was eliminated from the competition.
“I was fine about leaving in week five. I was fine because I knew it was my week to go and I’d missed my kids, but I was also gutted too,” she said.
What to Read Next
“I had so many good moments in the tent, and probably my biscuit box showstopper was my best moment, and the worst moment for me was the week I left.”
Nadia continued: “I loved my fellow bakers because they were so helpful and genuine. I’ve learned so much and challenged myself – going into Bake Off will be the best thing I’ve ever done! And I would absolutely encourage other home bakers to apply for the next series.”
Channel 4
Related: Best film and TV tours for 2025
Over the years, several bakers have struggled with chocolate week, the last of which happened in series 14 two years ago. As one of the contestants became ill during the challenge that year, the judges decided not to eliminate anyone.
However, during series 11 in 2020, it was Sura Mitib who experienced the difficulties of working with chocolate first-hand. After baking brownies, a chocolate babka and a two-tiered white chocolate celebration cake, Sura was forced to leave the competition.
Lime Productions//Channel 4
Speaking about her exit at the time, Sura said: “In chocolate week, it was so hot and I had layers on, and it was unbelievably warm in the tent. Everything was melting, my face, the chocolate – everything.
“You couldn’t do anything about it, you just had to get on with it. It just wasn’t my week. That’s the nature of Bake Off, it’s a blessing and a curse as you are only judged on each week, and not overall. But it was my time to go, and I was fine about it as I felt that I had done my best overall.”
Sura joked: “I don’t think I will eat chocolate ever again!”
Love Productions/Mark Bourdillon
Flora Shedden from series 6 is the other contestant to be eliminated in Bake Off’s chocolate week, after making it to the semi-finals.
She said at the time that she was “gutted” but “honoured” to have taken part.
The Great British Bake Off and its spin-off Bake Off: An Extra Slice both air on Channel 4 in the UK. In the US, it’s known as The Great British Baking Show, and streams on Netflix.
The new edition of Living Legends is here! Buy Gaga in newsagents or online, priced at just £8.99.
Megan is a freelance news reporter for Digital Spy.Â