Northern Ireland’s Iain Ross exits at quarter-finals

A Sicilian trifle proved to be a sweet treat too far for Iain Ross as he bowed out of The Great British Bake Off during dessert week.

The 29-year-old from Coleraine, County Londonderry, became the latest contestant to leave the competition, after failing to impress the judges during the quarter-final.

During Tuesday’s episode, the bakers were tasked with creating a Basque-style cheesecake, a gluten-free sponge and a free-standing trifle in the showstopper, which got the better of Iain.

Reflecting on his experience, the software engineer said he never thought he would make it past the first couple of weeks, never mind to the quarter-finals.

Judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood were impressed by the look of Iain’s strawberry and marsala trifle – but the taste didn’t quite match up.

“Normally we can rely on you to give us good punchy flavours. I like the concept but your trifle just falls short on flavour,” cookery writer Leith said.

The Channel 4 programme pits 12 amateur bakers against each other to compete for the title of Star Baker throughout 30 different challenges.

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster’s Evening Extra and BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today, Iain credits the show for helping him to form new friendships with like-minded bakers.

“It might sound obvious but everyone is just so passionate about baking. Barely anyone in my life is as obsessed with baking as I am, so being around so many people that absolutely love baking is just incredible.”

The self-proclaimed Yeastie Boy, who’s now based in Belfast, mixes his love of live music with sourdough, sharing his creations on social media.

Iain paints musicians’ faces and album covers on his bread using edible food colouring and activated charcoal powders.

Famous faces to feature in his portfolio have included Paramore, Queen, SZA, and Taylor Swift.

Determined to highlight his work to a new audience, Iain said Bake Off has helped him with a new found confidence.

“I’ve been hesitant to show too much of my personality online, but this experience has really made me come out of my shell a good bit on camera.”

Though his time on the show has ended, baking certainly hasn’t for Iain. He said the experience has revitalised his true passion.

“My main takeaway from Bake Off is that I truly love baking, I was starting to stagnate with my bakes and being on Bake Off just reignited my passion and showed me that this is what I love doing in this life.

“I’m now a chocolate tempering expert – can make a massive soufflé.”

The show continues on Channel 4 next Tuesday.