‘Great British Baking Show’ American Contestant Jeff Speaks Out After ‘Biscuit Week’ Drama

[Warning: The following contains MAJOR spoilers for the The Great British Baking Show Collection 12 Episode 2.]

It was a dramatic week on The Great British Baking Show as two contestants collapsed and another quit.

The chaos happened during the final showstopper challenge of Biscuit Week, which saw baker Illyin suffering from a fainting fit. Then, fellow contestant Dylan fell from his chair while reaching for his water bottle. However, most shocking of all was Jeff’s decision to quit the show.

Jeff, a former university lecturer originally from the Bronx, New York, had been feeling ill since the first week of the competition. Despite trying to power through, it all became too much on this week’s episode, and he told host Alison Hammond, “I’ve had enough. I’m done.”

Hammond was sympathetic, telling Jeff,  “You tried, man. You tried.”

Appearing on the companion show The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice on Thursday, October 3, Jeff opened up about his experience and decision to leave the series. And he appeared to be in much better spirits.

As he sat down to be interviewed by host Jo Brand, Jeff quipped, “I’m done. Sorry, I’m out of here.”

Brand then asked if Paul Hollywood‘s attempt to pronounce “coffee” in a stereotypical New York accent was what made him quit. “I was walking. That was it. I’d had enough,” Jeff said with a laugh.

Even though his time on the show came to an abrupt end, Jeff revealed that he’s now “feeling better” and is “busy planning the wedding cake for my son’s wedding.”

“The Bake Off has been an amazing and challenging experience of a lifetime.” – Jeff. pic.twitter.com/MyJE7cK05p

— British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) October 1, 2024

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Jeff also wrote a letter, which was shared on the show’s official social media accounts, where he said, “The Bake Off has been an amazing and challenging experience of a lifetime.”

“Although I was not able to continue for long, I had the pleasure of meeting all of the incredible bakers from series 15. What a wonderful group of people and they were also excellent bakers,” he continued.

He concluded, “The production team are the nicest, most hard-working people you will ever come across. They are so supportive and positive. All the very best, always, Jeff with every good wish!”