Bake Off star breaks silence after dramatic exit as latest episode descends into chaos

Following his unexpectedly premature exit from The Great British Bake Off after just one-and-a-half episodes, university lecturer Jeff has issued a heartbreaking statement.

The 67-year-old shocked Channel 4 viewers during last night's instalment (1 October) after simply announcing, 'I'm done', before strutting out of the tent.

It initially appeared as though Jeff - this year's token American who has since set up shop with his wife in Yorkshire - had made a full recovery last night, following his health wobble during the debut episode.

'Biscuit Week' kicked off with the 2024 batch of amateur bakers being asked to whip up their take of Viennese whirls for the second GBBO Signature challenge.

Despite initially appearing a tad a overwhelmed, Jeff was able to power through and presented a lip-smacking batch of sweet treats to judges Paul and Prue.

It wasn't until the Technical Challenge - a tricky collection of mint, chocolate-covered biscuits - that the heat of the tent really started taking its toll on him.

While the majority of bakers attempted to take the task in their stride, for one contestant, the heat of the tent all became too hard to handle.

So much so, that without even picking up his butter or whisk, he grabbed a cup of tea and headed toward's the tent's exit.

"I'm done," Jeff told presenter Alison Hammond as she caught him up. "I've had enough."

Jeff quit the show after falling ill (Channel 4)

"You tried man. You tried," she then comforted him, before sending him on his way for the final time.

And following his controversial exit, the much-loved American has taken to social media where he released a tear-jerking reflection about his time on the show.

"The Bake Off has been an amazing and challenging experience of a lifetime," he wrote online.

"Although I was not able to continue for long, I had the pleasure of meeting all of the incredible bakers from series 15."

Jeff continued: "What a wonderful group of people and they were also excellent bakers.

"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!"

Viewers were quick to respond to the sweet tweet, wishing Jeff well as he continues in his recovery.

Illiyan fainted before presenting her Showstopper (Channel 4)

"Hope he’s well, he will be missed," one penned on X following last night's episode.

Another added: "Sad he couldn’t continue - we hardly knew him!"

"Maybe he could come back next year?" a third suggested. "Not his fault he was ill."

Jeff's exit wasn't the only hotly-debated moment from last night's show.

Mother-of-two Illiyin collapsed just moments after finishing off her Showstopper challenge - to create a puppet scene using only biscuits.

"What the hell is going on?" judge Paul Hollywood was seen yelling, after which Prue Leith rushed to her side, asking her: "Are you all right?"

And just seconds later, viewers were even further baffled after a third contestant - 20-year-old Dylan - was seen toppling off his stool before hitting the ground below.

Despite producers rushing over to him to check in after fearing he'd also fainted, before he told them he was simply reaching for his water bottle before falling too far.