Great British Bake Off star Terry Hartill has penned a touching handwritten letter ahead of the final tonight.
Terry, who was eliminated from the competition during spice week, previously revealed GBBO had helped him cope with the heartbreaking loss of his wife a year earlier.
In his letter, Terry thanked fans for their continued support for him and his family, adding that he had made 'lifelong friends' in the tent.
"I would like to express a massive thank you to everybody who has supported me and my family over the last few months," shared the baker. "We are so overwhelmed by the huge response we have received and I am particularly grateful for all your kind words online and on social media."
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Terry's wife Joanna died from cancer a year earlier aged just 52, and the show had helped 'filled the void' she'd sadly left behind.
The retired air steward from the West Midlands continued: "It has been a difficult time since the loss of my wife and when my daughter applied for the show on my behalf we never could have expected the wonderful reaction that we have experienced and continue to receive."
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Touching on his time in the tent, Terry reflected: "In the tent it was tough and difficult at times (a melting Eiffel Tower for example). I thank you all for seeing the vision!
"But it has been so very enjoyable and I have made some wonderful lifelong friends.
"I am very excited for the future and again would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their love and encouragement."
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Terry first began baking with his grandmother as a small child, and his dad taught him how to make bread and pastry aged 10.
Kim-Joy, Rahul and Ruby will all compete to be crowned winner of this year's GBBO tonight.
Featured Image Credit: Channel 4Topics: TV Entertainment, GBBO, Great British Bake Off
