DORSET’S star baker Maggie has left the famous Great British Bake Off tent for good.

In the fourth episode which aired on Tuesday night, October 12, Maggie from Poole was sent home after a tricky time during dessert week.

The bakers put their twist on the classic Pavlova, and there followed an unctuous toffee technical. Finally an intricate showstopper, in which they had to create a delicate dessert wrapped in a patterned sponge.

After forgetting to include the flour in her sticky toffee pudding and missing a step in the pavlova, Maggie was sadly sent packing - though she doesn’t see it that way.

Maggie said: “To stay for four weeks I think comes pretty high on a personal level. Nothing can beat delivering a baby and bringing a new life into the world, but it comes a close second.

Bournemouth Echo:

Maggie and Matt Lucas

“I didn’t think at the age of 70 I would be doing something like this, but I thoroughly recommend it to anyone of a similar age. I have achieved a lot in my life but I think this is one of the unforgettable experiences that I will always treasure.”

Having achieved one of her life’s ambitions, life hasn’t quite been the same since being on the show.

Maggie said: “Life in Poole isn’t quite the same since Bake Off, so I am enjoying every small moment of fame.

“I am known in the area where I live as I have taught a lot of people’s children to play tennis, and over the years I have delivered a lot of babies. But it’s wonderful to be recognised and everyone is always so lovely, supportive and complimentary.

“I am very proud of where I live and I hope I have done Dorset, the county, proud. I will continue to make Dorset Knobs and Dorset apple cake.

In episode two Maggie cried after having a tricky bake, she said: “When Paul said that I must try harder in episode two, it wasn’t that comment that made me cry, but I found it surprising how emotional you become in the tent.

“It’s a mixture of trying your best against the clock and being in a completely different baking environment balanced with the support and help you get from the other bakers and everyone on the production team. I think I was just a bit overwhelmed with it all.

Bournemouth Echo:

Maggie and Prue Leith

“My family has loved watching Bake Off especially the little ones who get very excited seeing all the coverage. It’s been a rewarding experience for me to see the fun they have had with it.

Looking ahead, Dorset's star baker shows no sign of stopping, she said: “The future for me in baking is to get better. I have discovered I love patisserie, I love it.

“I will take away from the tent an experience that I will never ever forget in so many ways.”