The Great British Bake Off
Series 3
Promotional photo of the main cast and contestants of the third series
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

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]

The third series was broadcast as the fifth season on PBS in the United States.

Bakers

Baker Age Occupation Hometown Links
Brendan Lynch 63Recruitment consultantSutton Coldfield[4]
Cathryn Dresser 27Shop assistantPease Pottage, West Sussex[5]
Danny Bryden 45Intensive care consultantSheffield[6]
James Morton 21Medical studentHillswick, Shetland Islands[7]
John Whaite 22Law studentWigan[8]
Manisha Parmar 27Nursery nurseLeicester
Natasha Stringer 36MidwifeTamworth, Staffordshire
Peter Maloney 43Sales managerWindsor, Berkshire
Ryan Chong 38PhotographerBristol[9]
Sarah-Jane Willis 28Vicar's wifeBewbush, West Sussex[5]
Stuart Marston-Smith 26PE teacherLichfield, Staffordshire[10]
Victoria Chester 50CEO of the charity PlantlifeSomerset[11]

Results summary

Elimination chart
Baker 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
John SAFESBSAFESAFESAFELOWLOWHIGHLOWWINNER
Brendan SAFEHIGHLOWSBHIGHSBHIGHSAFEHIGHRunner-up
James SAFEHIGHSBSAFESAFELOWLOWSBSB
Danny SAFESAFESAFEHIGHLOWHIGHSBLOWOUT
Cathryn HIGHSAFESAFESAFESAFESAFELOWOUT
Ryan SAFESAFESAFELOWSBSAFEOUT
Sarah-Jane SAFESAFESAFESAFELOWLOWOUT
Manisha SAFESAFESAFELOWOUT
Stuart LOWLOWHIGHOUT
Victoria SBLOWOUT
Peter SAFEOUT
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: they were given 2 hours to make a sponge topped with fruits of their choice. For the technical bake, Paul set the bakers the challenge of making 4 rum babas with cream in the middle and sliced fruits on top, to be completed in 3 hours. For the showstopper, the bakers were given the task of making a cake in 5 hours, that would reveal a hidden design when sliced open.

Baker Signature
(Upside Down Cake)
Technical
(4 Rum Babas)
Showstopper
(Hidden Design Cake)
Result
Brendan Plum, Sour Cherry & Walnut Upside Down Cake10thSt. Patrick's Day Cake with Hidden Irish Flag*[12]Safe
Cathryn Apple, Hazelnut and Calvados Upside Down Cake5thHidden Cupcake CakeSafe
Danny Plum, Ginger & Orange Upside Down Cake7thNectar Cake with Hidden Beehive*[13]Safe
James Parsnip, Pear, and Pecan Upside Down Cake2nd"Simmer Dim" Sunset CakeSafe
John Toffee Apple, Orange & Cranberry Upside Down Cake11thHidden Pink Hearts CakeSafe
Manisha Vanilla, Peach and Raspberry Upside Down Cake6thWhite Chocolate Cake with a Red Velvet and White Chocolate Mousse HeartSafe
Natasha Pineapple & Passion fruit Upside Down Cake12thMother's Day Layered Rose CakeEliminated
Peter Pear, Muscat & Chocolate Upside Down Cake3rdJubilee CakeSafe
Ryan Kumquat and Orange Polenta Upside Down Cake8thHidden Flowerbed Mousse CakeSafe
Sarah-Jane Pear, Chocolate and Hazelnut Upside Down Cake1stHidden Crown CakeSafe
Stuart Tomato and Ginger Upside Down Cake9thLemon and Pistachio Union Flag CakeSafe
Victoria Pear and Pecan Upside Down Cake4thBlackbird Pie CakeStar Baker

* Unseen in the episode

Episode 2: Bread

For the signature bake, the bakers were required to make 12 flatbreads, 6 with yeast and 6 without, in 2+12 hours. For the technical challenge, they had to make an eight-strand plaited (braided) loaf in two hours, using a recipe from Paul. For the showstopper bake, the bakers were given four hours to make 24 bagels: 12 sweet and 12 savoury.

Baker Signature
12 Flatbreads (6 Leavened and 6 Unleavened)
Technical
(Eight-Stranded Plaited Loaf)
Showstopper
24 Bagels (12 Sweet and 12 Savoury)
Result
Brendan Middle Eastern Taboon Bread
Indian Roti
4thChocolate and Vanilla Bagels

Cumin and Gruyere Bagels

Safe
Cathryn Spiced Mango Naan
Lime, Coriander and Chilli Tortillas
8thCranberry and Orange Bagels; Chipotle, Chilli, and Smoked Cheddar BagelsSafe
Danny Lime Coriander and Coconut Tortillas
Zaatar Naan with Dukkah
3rdUNKNOWNSafe
James Tomato, Garlic, and Parmesan Flatbreads
Tattie Scones
2ndOrange, Mint and Chocolate Bagels

'Millers' Sourdough Bagels

Safe
John Coriander and Chilli Rotis
Garlic, Pomegranate and Potato Pitas
1stFig, Walnut and Gruyere Bagels

Blueberry and White Chocolate Bagels

Star Baker
Manisha Indian Flatbreads
Italian Flatbreads
6thChocolate Orange BagelsSafe
Peter Fennel and Nigella seed Naan
Bannock Bread
11thRosemary and Sea Salt Bagels

Apple and Cinnamon Bagels

Eliminated
Ryan Shanghai Spring Onion Flatbreads
Garlic and Coriander Naan
5thCinnamon and Date Bagels

Tarragon and Rosemary Bagels

Safe
Sarah-Jane Toasted Coconut and Lime Roti
Oatcakes
10thUNKNOWNSafe
Stuart Bombay Bread
Chorizo and Spring Onion Naan
9thCinnamon and Cranberry Bagels

Tomato and Thyme Bagels

Safe
Victoria Coriander and Lemon Naan
Garlic and Parsnip Chapatis
7thSaffron and Golden Raisin Bagels

Porcini Bagels

Safe

Episode 3: Tarts

The classic tarte tatin, either sweet or savory, was set as the signature challenge, to be finished in 2+12 hours. Baking a treacle tart in 2 hours was set as the technical challenge by Mary Berry, with the requirement that the pastry lattice on top be woven. For the showstopper, the bakers were required to make a large designer fruit tart, fit for a window display, in less than 3 hours.

Baker Signature
(Tarte Tatin)
Technical
(Treacle Tart)
Showstopper
(Designer Fruit Tart)
Result
Brendan Apple and Ginger Tarte Tatin9thBlackberry, Nectarine and Dragon Fruit TartSafe
Cathryn Plum, Cherry and Five Spice Tarte Tatin3rdRaspberry, Pistachio and Lemon TartSafe
Danny Savoury Pear and Roquefort Tarte Tatin2ndPineapple, Coconut and Frangipane TartSafe
James Apple and Lavender Tarte Tatin1stRose, Lychee and Raspberry Fruit TartStar Baker
John Apple and Vanilla Tarte Tatin with Walnut Praline6thBerries, Grapes, Pomegranate, and Dragon Fruit TartSafe
Manisha Cinnamon, Apple and Pear Tarte Tatin10thRum and Tropical Fruit TartSafe
Ryan Spiced Pear Tarte Tatin5thUNKNOWNSafe
Sarah-Jane Caramelised Banana Tarte Tatin8thFrench Apple Tart with Blackberry and Cassis JamSafe
Stuart Pear and Almond Tarte Tatin7thRaspberry Triple Chocolate Layered TartSafe
Victoria Fig, Walnut and Pink Peppercorn Tarte Tatin4thTropical Fruit Tart with Black Pepper CrustEliminated

Episode 4: Desserts

The bakers were given 3 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 234 hours. A four-layered meringue dessert was the showstopper challenge.

Baker Signature
(Torte Cake)
Technical
(Crème Caramel)
Showstopper
(4-Layered Meringue Dessert)
Result
Brendan Clementine and Chestnut Torte1stPear, Chocolate and Hazelnut DacquoiseStar Baker
Cathryn White Chocolate, Macadamia and Coffee Torte3rdGooseberry, Almond and Honey MeringueSafe
Danny Blackberry, White Chocolate, Lemon and Elderflower Torte2nd'Monte Bianco' Chestnut, Chocolate and Coffee DacquoiseSafe
James Hazelnut, Chocolate and Passionfruit Torte5thFig, Chestnut, Cherry and Chocolate Layered MeringueSafe
John 'Torte Noir' Black Forest Torte with Boozy Cream6thElderflower and Bramble Berry PavlovaSafe
Manisha Almond, Chocolate and Cherry Torte9thTiramisu Layered Meringue DessertSafe
Ryan Green Tea Opera Torte7thStrawberry, Rose and Pistachio MeringueSafe
Sarah-Jane Chocolate and Almond Truffle Torte4thHazelnut Tiramisu Layered MeringueSafe
Stuart Black Forest Torte8thChoca Blocka Mocha MeringueEliminated

Episode 5: Pies

The signature bake was Wellington, which Paul specified should be at least 8 inches long and completely covered with pastry. The bakers were given 3 hours for the challenge. The technical challenge was to make a hand-raised pie in 214 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 312 hours.

Baker Signature
(Wellington)
Technical
(Hand-Raised Pie)
Showstopper
(American Pie)
Result
Brendan Salmon Coulibiac in a Scandinavian Pastry3rdAll American Chiffon PieSafe
Cathryn Full English Wellington1stChocolate and Peanut Butter Pumpkin PieSafe
Danny Chickpea, Spinach & Mushroom Wellington7thTrick or Treat Pumpkin PieSafe
James Four Pig Wellington6thSweet Potato PieSafe
John Venison and Haggis Wellington2ndStar Spangled Pecan PieSafe
Manisha Lamb Wellington with Rosemary and Mint5thBanana Scotch PieEliminated
Ryan Curry Spiced Seabass Wellington8thKey Lime PieStar Baker
Sarah-Jane Beef Wellington with Parma Ham and Gorgonzola Cheese4thChocolate and Banana Cream PieSafe

Episode 6: Puddings

The bakers were challenged to make, in 2 hours, 2 different flavoured sponge puddings with different accompaniments, 6 of each. Mary set the Queen of Puddings as the technical challenge. For the showstopper, the bakers were required to make in 312 hour 1 large strudel, either with sweet or savoury fillings.

Baker Signature
(2 Different Flavours of Sponge Puddings)
Technical
(Queen of Puddings)
Showstopper
(Strudels)
Result
Brendan Rhubarb, Strawberry and Ginger Puddings
Sticky Toffee Puddings
1stSpinach, Cheese and Walnut StrudelStar Baker
Cathryn Chocolate Walnut Whip Puddings
Elderflower Sponges
3rdRoasted Vegetable Couscous and Sheep Cheese StrudelSafe
Danny Banoffee Puddings with Walnut Butterscotch Sauce
Jubilee Chocolate Fondants
2ndLeek, Potato, Pistachio and Gruyère StrudelSafe
James Banana and Clove Puddings
Clootie Dumplings
7thStrawberry, Rhubarb and Ginger StrudelSafe
John Spicy Toffee Puddings
Raspberry and White Chocolate Puddings
5thDid not complete due to injurySafe[lower-alpha 1]
Ryan Chocolate Fondants
Sticky Ginger and Date Puddings
6thApple, Sour Cherry, Raisin and Mixed Nuts StrudelSafe
Sarah-Jane Sticky Toffee Puddings
Granny's Saucy Lemon Puddings
4thSweet Strudel with Sour CherriesSafe
  1. 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 3 hours. The buns should be all of the same size and evenly baked. For the technical bake, the bakers were challenged to make 10 jam doughnuts, using Paul Hollywood's recipe, in 212 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)
Result[lower-alpha 1]
Brendan Chelsea Bunskis4thBlack Forest Christmas StollenSafe
Cathryn Lady Arundel's Manchet Buns5thBonfire Night Tear 'N' Share BriocheSafe
Danny Bakewell Chelsea Buns2ndEuropean Christmas WreathStar Baker
James Easter Chelsea Buns1stWhisky Kugelhopf-Brioche BabaSafe
John Cherry and Almond Saffron Buns3rdMarzipan StollenSafe
Ryan Lardy Cakes6thChar Siu BaoEliminated
Sarah-Jane Orange, Nutmeg and Saffron Buns7thSour Cherry and Dark Chocolate Christmas PlaitEliminated
  1. 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 2 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 2 hours using Paul Hollywood'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 4 hours.

Baker Signature
(48 Crackers)
Technical
(6 Chocolate Teacakes)
Showstopper
(Gingerbread Structure)
Result
Brendan Multi-Seed Savoury Crackers2ndFantasy Gingerbread Bird HouseSafe
Cathryn Cheese and Pickle Crackers5thGingerbread Buckingham PalaceEliminated
Danny Spiced Almond Drinks Crackers4thGingerbread Big BenSafe
James Smoky Cayenne, Cumin and Chilli Crackers1stGingerbread BarnStar Baker
John Asian Spice Crackers3rdGingerbread Roman ColiseumSafe

Episode 9: Pâtisserie (Semifinal)

For the first pâtisserie test, the bakers were required to make 3 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 to be done in 212 hours. Choux pastry gateau was set as the showstopper.

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

Episode 10: Final

The finalists were set the task of making a savoury pithivier in 212 hours. Paul and Mary's technical challenge required 25 fondant fancies to be done in 212hours. For the final showstopper, the finalists were required to make, in 4 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
(Savoury Pithivier)
Technical
(25 Fondant Fancies)
Showstopper
(Chiffon Cake)
Result
Brendan Potato and Pepper Pithivier2ndFamily Reunion Chiffon CakeRunner-up
James Spanish Pithivier with Chorizo and Red Pepper1stUnited Chiffon CakesRunner-up
John Italian Sausage and Roasted Vegetable Pithivier2ndHeaven and Hell Chiffon CakeWinner

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. 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 20123.851
2 21 August 20124.601
3 28 August 20124.531
4 4 September 20124.711
5 11 September 20124.611
6 18 September 20124.821
7 25 September 20125.101
8 2 October 20125.351
9 9 October 20125.701
10 16 October 20126.741

Specials

The Great British Bake Off Masterclass
Episode
no.
Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two
weekly ranking
1 22 October 20122.565
2 24 October 20122.198
3 25 October 20122.336
The Great British Bake Off Revisited
Episode
no.
Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two
weekly ranking
23 October 20122.764
The Great British Bake Off, Christmas Masterclass
Episode
no.
Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two
weekly ranking
18 December 20123.482
The Great British Bake Off, Easter Masterclass
Episode
no.
Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two
weekly ranking
26 March 20132.763

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. 1 2 "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". Archived from the original on 4 October 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2013.
  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. "Behind the Hidden Designs- what you didn't see on episode 1 of GBBO". 15 August 2012.
  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. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022.
  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. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022.
  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.
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