Why Bake Off star Jeff decided to quit show after viewers shocked by dramatic exit

To the heartbreak of baking fans everywhere, Great British Bake Off star Jeff left the show in bombshell scenes - and here's why.

Everyone's favourite comfort show GBBO is back, hosted by Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding.

Hopeful bakers are back in the iconic tents, rolling up their sleeves as they intend to impress the judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith - though what they really want is a coveted Hollywood Handshake.

Last night's episode (1 October) saw a fan favourite leave the tent in dramatic scenes.

67-year-old university lecturer, Jeff, threw in the towel having previously communicated that he had been feeling unwell.

During the Channel 4 show, American Jeff who now lives in Yorkshire with his wife, simply walked out of the tent, cup of tea in hand, to the shock of his fellow bakers.

Alison then follows him out to ask: "You're done?" to which Jeff gives a resounding: "Yeah."

The exit occurred during the infamous 'Biscuit Week', with all bakers tasked with whipping up some Viennese whirls - a crowd pleaser which, if scenes are to be believed, are much more difficult than they look.

Jeff appeared ever so slightly overwhelmed, but kept his cool and served up what was asked of him to the delight of Paul and Prue.

But then the Technical Challenge swung around and things proved too difficult for Jeff.

Jeff communicated feeling unwell (Channel 4)

The task at hand was mint biscuits covered in chocolate, and the heat of the tent was too much to bear.

It was at this moment that Jeff grabbed his cuppa, and abandoned his work station without so much of a second look.

Making his way to the exit, he walked straight out of the tent and into the fields.

Jeff said: "I'm done. I've had enough," and paused for a moment when Alison caught up with him.

Alison added: "You tried, man. You tried."

The baker was comforted by host Alison Hammond (Channel 4)

In a statement posted to Instagram, Jeff reflected: "The Bake Off has been an amazing and challenging experience of a lifetime.

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

"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!"

One person expressed their hope that Jeff may return in the future, writing: "Maybe he could come back next year?"

"Not his fault he was ill," another added.