Warning! This article contains spoilers for the latest episode of The Great British Bake Off.
Great British Bake Off semi finalist Hermine has penned a moving and uplifting letter reminiscing about her time on the hit show.
The 39-year-old accountant from London was controversially sent home ahead of next week’s final on Tuesday night, despite having been one of the favourites in the competition.
And although many viewers were unhappy with the result, Hermine was still brimming with joyful memories about her time in the tent in a letter that was posted on the show’s official Twitter account after her exit.
“It has been an absolute privilege to have made it to the tent and to have baked alongside 11 fantastic bakers, each with their own strength. The camaraderie was amazing,” she wrote.
“The friendship meant that although it was a competition, I always felt I was competing against my better self. Never against the other bakers.
“I bake from the heart and all I wanted to do was put a smile on the judges’ faces with my bakes.
“Every week they enjoyed my flavours, it filled my heart with so much joy. I mean, what more do you need after a Pruegasm or Paul taking your bake for lunch?”
Hermine went on: “Matt and Noel were so kind and full of compassion when we needed it but also a great laugh! Well, when I did get the jokes (which was half the time).
“In 80s week, hearing Steven say how proud he was of me brought happy tears to my eyes.
“It was a summer full of emotions. Happy ones! And now back at home, I take a lot of joy in reflecting on these memories with a smile on my face and a certain warmth in my heart.”
Hermine then acknowledged the production team, thanking the crew for making the bakes “feel at home”.
“I never thought I would, or even wanted, to go on a TV show. But if asked to chose one, it would be the GBBO.”
Revealing what she’d taken away from the experience, Hermine concluded: “The journey has proved to me that being yourself is all you need to be. Never let your fear come between you and the things you could achieve.
“It is ok to try new things, to be silly every now and then, and to laugh at your own silly self. It does not make you any less reliable and dependable as a person. Yet it is liberating for your soul.”
Hermine also shared a video on her Instagram account thanking fans for their support.
Peter, David and Laura will now battle it out in next Tuesday’s grand finale of The Great British Bake Off airing at 8pm on Channel 4.