The Great British Bake Off (series 3)

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The Great British Bake Off
Series 3
Starring
Country of originUnited Kingdom
No. of episodes10
Release
Original networkBBC Two
Original release14 August (2012-08-14) –
16 October 2012 (2012-10-16)
Series chronology
← Previous
Series 2
Next →
Series 4

The third series of The Great British Bake Off began airing on Tuesday 14 August 2012.[1] The series was filmed at Harptree Court in East Harptree, Somerset.

Seven thousand applied for the competition and twelve contestants were chosen.[2] The competition was won by John Whaite.[3]

Bakers[]

Baker Age Occupation Hometown Links
Brendan Lynch 63 Recruitment consultant Sutton Coldfield [4]
Cathryn Dresser 27 Shop assistant Pease Pottage, West Sussex [5]
Danny Bryden 45 Intensive care consultant Sheffield [6]
James Morton 21 Medical student Hillswick, Shetland Islands [7]
John Whaite 22 Law student Wigan [8]
Manisha Parmar 27 Nursery nurse Leicester
Natasha Stringer 36 Midwife Tamworth, Staffordshire
Peter Maloney 43 Sales manager Windsor, Berkshire
Ryan Chong 38 Photographer Bristol [9]
Sarah-Jane Willis 28 Vicar's wife Bewbush, West Sussex [5]
Stuart Marston-Smith 26 PE teacher Lichfield, Staffordshire [10]
Victoria Chester 50 CEO of the charity Plantlife Somerset [11]

Results summary[]

Elimination chart
Baker 1 2 3 4 5 6[1] 7 8 9 10
John SB WINNER
Brendan SB SB Runner-up
James SB SB Runner-up
Danny SB OUT
Cathryn OUT
Ryan SB OUT
Sarah-Jane OUT
Manisha OUT
Stuart OUT
Victoria SB OUT
Peter OUT
Natasha OUT

[1] There was no elimination the sixth week after John sustained a major injury to his finger and could not complete the last bake. The judges determined it would be unfair to eliminate anyone and instead, two bakers were eliminated the next week.

Colour key:

  Baker got through to the next round
  Baker was eliminated
  Baker was one of the judges' least favourite bakers that week, but was not eliminated.
  Baker was the Star Baker
  Baker was one of the judges' favourite bakers that week, but did not win star baker
  Baker was the series runner-up
  Baker was the series winner

Episodes[]

Episode 1: Cakes[]

The contestants were required to make an upside-down cake for their signature bake. The bakers were given two hours to make a sponge topped with fruits of their choice. For the technical bake, Paul set the bakers the challenge of making four rum babas with cream in the middle and sliced fruits on top, to be completed in three hours. For the showstopper, the bakers were given the task of making a cake in five hours, and the cake baked should reveal a hidden design when cut.

  Baker eliminated   Star Baker   Winner
Baker Signature
(Upside Down Cake)
Technical
(4 Rum Babas)
Showstopper
(Hidden Design Cake)
Brendan Plum, Sour Cherry & Walnut Upside Down Cake 10th St. Patrick's Day Cake with Hidden Irish Flag[12]
Cathryn Apple, Hazelnut and Calvados Upside Down Cake 5th Hidden Cupcake Cake
Danny Plum, Ginger & Orange Upside Down Cake 7th Nectar Cake with Hidden Beehive[13]
James Parsnip, Pear, and Pecan Upside Down Cake 2nd "Simmer Dim" Sunset Cake
John Toffee Apple, Orange & Cranberry Upside Down Cake 11th Hidden Pink Hearts Cake
Manisha Vanilla, Peach and Raspberry Upside Down Cake 6th White Chocolate Cake with a Red Velvet and White Chocolate Mousse Heart
Natasha Pineapple & Passion Fruit Upside Down Cake 12th Mother's Day Layered Rose Cake
Peter Pear, Muscat & Chocolate Upside Down Cake 3rd Jubilee Cake
Ryan Kumquat and Orange Polenta Upside Down Cake 8th Hidden Flowerbed Mousse Cake
Sarah-Jane Pear, Chocolate and Hazelnut Upside Down Cake 1st Hidden Crown Cake
Stuart Tomato and Ginger Upside Down Cake 9th Lemon and Pistachio Union Flag Cake
Victoria Pear and Pecan Upside Down Cake 4th Blackbird Pie Cake

Episode 2: Bread[]

For the signature bake, the bakers were required to make twelve flatbreads; six with yeast, six without. They were given two and a half hours to complete the task. For the technical challenge, they had to make an eight-strand plaited loaf in two hours using a recipe from Paul. For the showstopper bake, the bakers were given four hours to make twenty-four bagels: twelve sweet, and twelve savoury.

Baker Signature
12 Flatbreads (6 Leavened and 6 Unleavened)
Technical
(Eight-Stranded Plaited Loaf)
Showstopper
24 Bagels (12 Sweet and 12 Savoury)
Brendan Middle Eastern Taboon Bread
Indian Roti
4th Chocolate and Vanilla Bagels; Cumin and Gruyere Bagels
Cathryn Spiced Mango Naan
Lime, Coriander and Chilli Tortillas
8th Cranberry and Orange Bagels; Chipotle, Chilli, and Smoked Cheddar Bagels
Danny Lime Coriander and Coconut Tortillas
Zaatar Naan with Dukkah
3rd
James Tomato, Garlic, and Parmesan Flatbreads
Tattie Scones
2nd Orange, Mint and Chocolate Bagels; 'Millers' Sourdough Bagels
John Coriander and Chilli Rotis
Garlic, Pomegranate and Potato Pitas
1st Fig, Walnut and Gruyere Bagels; Blueberry and White Chocolate Bagels
Manisha Indian Flatbreads
Italian Flatbreads
6th
Peter Fennel and Nigella Seed Naan
Bannock Bread
11th Rosemary and Sea Salt Bagels; Apple and Cinnamon Bagels
Ryan Shanghai Spring Onion Flatbreads
Garlic and Coriander Naan
5th Cinnamon and Date Bagels; Tarragon and Rosemary Bagels
Sarah-Jane Coconut Roti
Oatcakes
10th
Stuart Bombay Bread
Chorizo and Spring Onion Naan
9th Cinnamon and Cranberry Bagels; Tomato and Thyme Bagels
Victoria Coriander and Lemon Naan
Garlic and Parsnip Chapatis
7th Saffron and Golden Raisin Bagels; Porcini Bagels

Episode 3: Tarts[]

The classic tarte tatin was set as the signature challenge. The tarte tatin could be sweet or savoury, and had to be finished in two and half hours. Baking a treacle tart was set as the technical challenge by Mary, with the requirement that the pastry lattice on top be woven. The bakers were given two hours for the challenge. For the showstopper, the bakers were required to make a large designer fruit tart, fit for a window display, in less than three hours.

Baker Signature
(Tarte Tatin)
Technical
(Treacle Tart)
Showstopper
(Designer Fruit Tart)
Brendan Apple and Ginger Tarte Tatin 9th Blackberry, Nectarine and Dragon Fruit Tart
Cathryn Plum, Cherry and Five Spice Tarte Tatin 3rd Raspberry, Pistachio and Lemon Tart
Danny Savoury Pear and Roquefort Tarte Tatin 2nd Pineapple, Coconut and Frangipane Tart
James Apple and Lavender Tarte Tatin 1st Rose, Lychee and Raspberry Fruit Tart
John Apple and Vanilla Tarte Tatin with Walnut Praline 6th Berries, Grapes, Pomegranate, and Dragon Fruit Tart
Manisha Cinnamon, Apple and Pear Tarte Tatin 10th Rum and Tropical Fruit Tart
Ryan Spiced Pear Tarte Tatin 5th UNKNOWN
Sarah-Jane Caramelised Banana Tarte Tatin 8th French Apple Tart with Blackberry and Cassis Jam
Stuart Pear and Almond Tarte Tatin 7th Raspberry Triple Chocolate Layered Tart
Victoria Fig, Walnut and Pink Peppercorn Tarte Tatin 4th Tropical Fruit Tart with Black Pepper Crust

Episode 4: Desserts[]

The bakers were given three hours to make a torte without conventional wheat flour as the signature bake. The torte had to be more than 20 cm in diameter. Mary set crème caramel as the technical challenge, to be finished in two and three-quarter hours. A four-layered meringue dessert was the showstopper challenge.

Baker Signature
(Torte Cake)
Technical
(Crème Caramel)
Showstopper
(4-Layered Meringue Dessert)
Brendan Clementine and Chestnut Torte 1st Pear, Chocolate and Hazelnut Dacquoise
Cathryn White Chocolate, Macadamia and Coffee Torte 3rd Gooseberry, Almond and Honey Meringue
Danny Blackberry, White Chocolate, Lemon and Elderflower Torte 2nd 'Monte Bianco' Chestnut, Chocolate and Coffee Dacquoise
James Hazelnut, Chocolate and Passionfruit Torte 5th Fig, Chestnut, Cherry and Chocolate Layered Meringue
John 'Torte Noir' Black Forest Torte with Boozy Cream 6th Elderflower and Bramble Berry Pavlova
Manisha Almond, Chocolate and Cherry Torte 9th Tiramisu Layered Meringue Dessert
Ryan Green Tea Opera Torte 7th Strawberry, Rose and Pistachio Meringue
Sarah-Jane Chocolate and Almond Truffle Torte 4th Hazelnut Tiramisu Layered Meringue
Stuart Black Forest Torte 8th Choca Blocka Mocha Meringue

Episode 5: Pies[]

The signature bake was Wellington, which Paul specified should be at least eight inches long and completely covered with pastry. The bakers were given three hours for the challenge. The technical challenge was to make a hand-raised pie in two and a quarter hours. This was to be made with a hot water crust and moulded using a dolly. The pie was left to set overnight and judged the next day. For the showstopper challenge, the bakers were required to bake a family-sized sweet American-style pie in three and a half hours.

Baker Signature
(Wellington)
Technical
(Hand-Raised Pie)
Showstopper
(American Pie)
Brendan Salmon Coulibiac in a Scandinavian Pastry 3rd All American Chiffon Pie
Cathryn Full English Wellington 1st Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pumpkin Pie
Danny Chickpea, Spinach & Mushroom Wellington 7th Trick or Treat Pumpkin Pie
James Four Pig Wellington 6th Sweet Potato Pie
John Venison and Haggis Wellington 2nd Star Spangled Pecan Pie
Manisha Lamb Wellington with Rosemary and Mint 5th Banana Scotch Pie
Ryan Curry Spiced Seabass Wellington 8th Key Lime Pie
Sarah-Jane Beef Wellington with Parma Ham and Gorgonzola Cheese 4th Chocolate and Banana Cream Pie

Episode 6: Puddings[]

The bakers were challenged to make, in two hours, two different flavoured sponge puddings with different accompaniments, six of each. Mary set the Queen of Puddings as the technical challenge. For the showstopper, the bakers were required to make in three and a half hours one large strudel, either with sweet or savoury fillings.

Baker Signature
(2 Different Flavours of Sponge Puddings)
Technical
(Queen of Puddings)
Showstopper
(Strudels)
Brendan Rhubarb, Strawberry and Ginger Puddings
Sticky Toffee Puddings
1st Spinach, Cheese and Walnut Strudel
Cathryn Chocolate Walnut Whip Puddings
Elderflower Sponges
3rd Roasted Vegetable, Couscous and Sheep Cheese Strudel
Danny Banoffee Puddings with Walnut Butterscotch Sauce
Jubilee Chocolate Fondants
2nd Leek, Potato, Pistachio and Gruyère Strudel
James Banana and Clove Puddings
Clootie Dumplings
7th Strawberry, Rhubarb and Ginger Strudel
John Spicy Toffee Puddings
Raspberry and White Chocolate Puddings
5th Did not complete due to injury[1]
Ryan Chocolate Fondants
Sticky Ginger and Date Puddings
6th Apple, Sour Cherry, Raisin and Mixed Nuts Strudel
Sarah-Jane Sticky Toffee Puddings
Granny's Saucy Lemon Puddings
4th Sweet Strudel with Sour Cherries

John sustained a deep wound on his finger on the blade of the food processor and had to leave the tent to receive medical attention. He was unable to complete his Showstopper Challenge. As a result, the judges decided it would be unfair to eliminate a baker this week.

Episode 7: Sweet Dough[]

For the signature bake, the bakers were set to bake 24 buns made from an enriched dough with yeast in three hours. The buns should be all of the same size and evenly baked. For the technical bake, the bakers were challenged to make ten jam doughnuts, using Paul's recipe, in two and a half hours. They should be consistent in size, shape, jam distribution, and colour. For the showstopper, the bakers each made a celebratory enriched-dough loaf. This challenge started straight after the technical bake, so that the dough could be proofed overnight if necessary.

Baker Signature
(24 Sweet Buns)
Technical
(Jam Doughnut)
Showstopper
(Celebratory Loaf)
Brendan Chelsea Bunskis 4th Black Forest Christmas Stollen
Cathryn Lady Arundel's manchet 5th Bonfire Night Tear 'N' Share Brioche
Danny Bakewell Chelsea Buns 2nd European Christmas Wreath
James Easter Chelsea Buns 1st Whisky Kugelhopf-Brioche Baba
John Cherry and Almond Saffron Buns 3rd Marzipan Stollen
Ryan Lardy Cakes 6th Char Siu Bao
Sarah-Jane Orange, Nutmeg and Saffron Buns 7th Sour Cherry and Dark Chocolate Christmas Plait

Two bakers were eliminated this week as there was no elimination the previous week following John's injury.

Episode 8: Biscuits[]

The bakers were given two hours to make 48 crackers or crisp breads for their signature bake. They should be thin, evenly baked and crack when snapped in two. For the technical challenge, the bakers were asked to make six chocolate teacakes in two hours using Paul's recipe, a task made more difficult because the high temperature that day would not allow the chocolate to cool. For the showstopper bake, the bakers were challenged to make a gingerbread structure, which should not be a gingerbread house, in four hours.

Baker Signature
(48 Crackers)
Technical
(6 Chocolate Teacakes)
Showstopper
(Gingerbread Structure)
Brendan Multi-Seed Savoury Crackers 2nd Fantasy Gingerbread Bird House
Cathryn Cheese and Pickle Crackers 5th Gingerbread Buckingham Palace
Danny Spiced Almond Drinks Crackers 4th Gingerbread Big Ben
James Smoky Cayenne, Cumin and Chilli Crackers 1st Gingerbread Barn
John Asian Spice Crackers 3rd Gingerbread Roman Coliseum

Episode 9: Pâtisserie (Semi-final)[]

For the first pâtisserie test, the bakers were required to make three types of petits fours, 12 of each. These should be small (each a single mouthful), exquisite and perfect. Mary set the bakers to make a Fraisier cake for the technical challenge. choux pastry gateau was set as the showstopper.

Baker Signature
(3 types of Petits Fours)
Technical
(Fraisier Cake)
Showstopper
(Choux Pastry Gateau)
Brendan Coffee Meringue and Hazelnut Creams
Apricot and Pistachio Friands
Lime Curd Choux Pastry Cygnets
3rd Gateau St. Honoré
Danny Blackberry and Peppermint Macarons
Miniature Raspberry and Basil Financiers
Orange and White Chocolate Langues de Chat
4th Rosewater and Lychee St. Honoré
James Lemon and Rhubarb Tartlets
Chocolate Indulgence Petits Fours
Chilli, Lime and Raspberry Macarons
1st Coffee, Caramel and Hazelnut Paris–Brest
John Lemon Madeleines
White Chocolate and Raspberry Tartlets
Dark Chocolate and Cherry Macarons
2nd Gateau St. Honoré a la Passion

Episode 10: Final[]

The finalists were set the task of making a savoury pithivier in two and a half hours. Paul and Mary's technical challenge required 25 fondant fancies. For the final showstopper, the finalists were required to make in four hours a chiffon cake based on the theme of their personal highlights of 2012. All the bakes were served at a special summer fête held on the ground of Harptree Court.

Baker Signature
(Pithivier)
Technical
(25 Fondant Fancies)
Showstopper
(Chiffon Cake)
Brendan Potato and Pepper Pithivier 2nd Family Reunion Chiffon Cake
James Spanish Pithivier with Chorizo and Red Pepper 1st United Chiffon Cakes
John Italian Sausage and Roasted Vegetable Pithivier 2nd Heaven and Hell Chiffon Cake

Extras and special episodes[]

Four additional episodes were broadcast after the final. Episode 11 was a masterclass by Paul and Mary where they demonstrated how to make the technical challenges they set – treacle tarts, rum babas, creme caramels, the hand-raised pie, and the eight-strand plaited loaf. Episode 12 revisited the bakers from series two to catch up on what these contestants had been doing after the show ended. Another masterclass was shown in episode 13 where Paul and Mary showed how to make Queen of Puddings, jam doughnuts, tempered chocolate teacakes, Fraisier cakes and fondant fancies. In episode 14, Paul and Mary showed which signature bakes they would have chosen if they were in the bakers' shoes (including sponge puddings, flat breads and sweet buns). Two further episodes of Masterclass were shown, one before Christmas and another before Easter.

Post-show career[]

John Whaite gained a first-class degree from the University of Manchester after sitting his law exams while filming Bake Off, but he rejected a career in law and opted to take classes at Le Cordon Bleu and pursue a career in baking.[citation needed] His book John Whaite Bakes: Recipes for Every Day and Every Mood was published on 25 April 2013.[14] His second book, John Whaite Bakes At Home, was published on 27 March 2014.[15] He first set up a chocolate shop The Hungry Dog Artisan Chocolates,[16] and opened a cookery school on his family's dairy farm in Lancashire.[17] He also appeared as a resident chef on the ITV show Lorraine,[18][19] and wrote a column on food for The Daily Telegraph.[20] In 2016, Whaite presented with Rosemary Shrager a daytime cookery competitive show Chopping Block on ITV.[21] In 2018, after six years of directing his attention on writing cookbooks, leading baking classes, and making television appearances, Whaite decided to refocus on law.[22]

James Morton aimed for a career in medicine but has written a book on bread, titled Brilliant Bread, published on 29 August 2013.[23][24] He writes a baking column for the Scottish newspaper Sunday Mail.[25] His second book, How Baking Works: ...And what to do if it doesn't, was published on 12 March 2015.[26]

Brendan Lynch is teaching cookery classes.[27][28][29]

Cathryn Dresser and Sarah-Jane Willis teamed up to open a stall at Horsham Market.[30][31] Dresser wrote a baking book for children and parents titled Let's Bake, published on 22 May 2014.[32] and ran The Little Handcross Bakery[33] in Handcross, West Sussex between September 2014 and May 2015.

Ratings[]

The final of this series had a record overnight figure of 6.5 million viewers, beating every other programme in other channels in its time slot.[34]

Official episode viewing figures are from BARB.[35]

Episode
no.
Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two
weekly ranking
1 14 August 2012 (2012-08-14) 3.85 1
2 21 August 2012 (2012-08-21) 4.60 1
3 28 August 2012 (2012-08-28) 4.53 1
4 4 September 2012 (2012-09-04) 4.71 1
5 11 September 2012 (2012-09-11) 4.61 1
6 18 September 2012 (2012-09-18) 4.82 1
7 25 September 2012 (2012-09-25) 5.10 1
8 2 October 2012 (2012-10-02) 5.35 1
9 9 October 2012 (2012-10-09) 5.70 1
10 16 October 2012 (2012-10-16) 6.74 1

Specials[]

Episode
no.
Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two
weekly ranking
The Great British Bake Off Masterclass
1 22 October 2012 (2012-10-22) 2.56 5
2 24 October 2012 (2012-10-24) 2.19 8
3 25 October 2012 (2012-10-25) 2.33 6
The Great British Bake Off Revisited
23 October 2012 (2012-10-23) 2.76 4
The Great British Bake Off, Christmas Masterclass
18 December 2012 (2012-12-18) 3.48 2
The Great British Bake Off, Easter Masterclass
26 March 2013 (2013-03-26) 2.76 3

References[]

  1. ^ Food on BBC Two, 26 April 2012
  2. ^ "'Sir' beat 7,000 hopefuls to join baking dozen". Lichfield Mercury. 9 August 2012.
  3. ^ Vicky Frost (16 October 2012). "Great British Bake Off: John Whaite is surprise winner". The Guardian.
  4. ^ Brendan Lynch. "Brendan".
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b "Bake with Cat".
  6. ^ Danny Bryden. "Baking as Therapy". Archived from the original on 16 May 2013.
  7. ^ James Morton. "James Morton – the one that bakes".
  8. ^ "John Whaite".
  9. ^ Ryan Chong. "Bakology – Home of Baking from Ryan Chong".
  10. ^ Stuart Marston-Smith. "Layered".
  11. ^ "Plantlife". Plantlife International.
  12. ^ @brendanbakes (24 August 2012). "One more St Paddy's Day cake photo added" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  13. ^ https://bakingastherapy.wordpress.com/2012/08/15/behind-the-hidden-designs-what-you-didnt-see/
  14. ^ Sophia Moir (26 April 2013). "John Whaite: How baking helps me battle depression – EXCLUSIVE". Yahoo Lifestyle.
  15. ^ Josh Willacy (27 March 2014). "The winner bakes it all: Great British Bake Off ace John Whaite reveals guilty secrets and making mum jealous". Mancunian Matters.
  16. ^ Debashine Thangevelo (10 July 2014). "Whaite's victory tastes extra sweet". Tonight.
  17. ^ Jess Denham (7 October 2014). "Great British Bake Off 2014: What past winners are doing now from Edd Kimber to last year's Frances Quinn". The Independent.
  18. ^ Helena Kealey (5 August 2014). "Bake Off: the winners reveal their secrets". The Daily Telegraph.
  19. ^ "John Whaite". ITV.
  20. ^ "John Whaite". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 16 March 2015.
  21. ^ "Chopping Block". 24 March 2016.
  22. ^ "Former Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite returning to law "to devote myself to something utterly important"". inews.co.uk. 22 July 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
  23. ^ Heather Greenaway (20 January 2013). "Great British Bake Off star James Morton: Cooking is great.. but my real dream is to be a doctor". Daily Record.
  24. ^ "James and the World Bread Awards". Edinburgh Foody. 19 July 2013.
  25. ^ "Jame Mortan". Daily Record and Sunday Mail.
  26. ^ Pippa Bailey Monday (5 October 2015). "Great British Bake Off: 10 best cookbooks". The Independent.
  27. ^ Giulia Rhodes (24 March 2013). "Baking an end to the lonely days". Daily Express. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
  28. ^ James Brindle (25 October 2012). "Bake off finalist to join Seasoned Cookery School". Uttoxeter Advertiser.
  29. ^ Roz Laws (2 August 2014). "Whatever happened to the 'Great British Bake Off' bakers from the Midlands?". Birmingham Mail.
  30. ^ "Crawley Bake Off stars set up own business". The Argus. 23 October 2012.
  31. ^ "TV Bake-off stars team up to run market stall". Crawley and Horley Observer. 31 October 2012.
  32. ^ Anna James (20 May 2014). "REVIEW: LET'S BAKE BY CATHRYN DRESSER". We Love This Book.
  33. ^ "Hectic life of a mother and celebrity baker".
  34. ^ John Plunkett (17 October 2012). "Great British Bake Off: 6.5m watch John Whaite rise to the top". The Guardian.
  35. ^ "Weekly Top 30 Programmes". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 16 September 2015.

External links[]

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