Michael Georgiou leaves the ‘Great British Bake Off‘ but not before giving us a very Cypriot baking twist to this year’s popular television programme on BBC1 on Wednesday night.
The 20-year-old British Cypriot, who studies politics and economics at Durham University, was born to Cypriot parents in London. His grandparents from his father’s side come from Leonarisso, Koma tou Yiallou and from his mother’s side from Kellaki in Limassol.
The very likeable contestant has every reason to be proud since he had beaten off 12,000 applicants who applied to be in front of our shows on the weekly show.
The first show aired on August 24th was when we met Michael in this year’s line-up of 12 amateur bakers.
Michael brought his Cypriot touch to his baking skills…
He baked and smiled throughout, clearly very pleased to be part of the very exciting, completely competitive, but extremely good spirited format.
He wrote on his twitter account moments after he left the show:
Thank you for the kind messages. Was an incredible experience and loved every moment of it #GBBO
Michael told viewers, ”The bake I went on meant a lot to me, it was quite sad I went on that… I’m going to be letting my mum know first, she’s been the one with me since the start, she’s still going to be proud of me, happy I got this far.”
Michael gave us a Cypriot treat by way of ‘Michael’s Cypriot Dove and Olive Branch Plaited Loaf with Houmous’ in the bread challenge, and we even got to see a Cypriot flag! Really making the point he is definitely Cypriot and is proud of his roots.
However it was Judge Paul Hollywood that was a little less keen on what he perceived as not enough use of coriander, in what is primarily an olive, coriander and onion based loaf.
Michael’s little alcohol enticement to get the judges on side gave us a stand-out moment in the series so far, very LOL!
Well, if you haven’t seen it yet, judge Hollywood literally spluttered after trying a shot of strong Cypriot liquor Zivania and he might not be trying it again any time… soon…
Hollywood gave the departing baker some strong words of encouragement.
”I would like to see Michael carry on doing what he’s doing, he’s a great baker actually, and he’s a nice lad as well.”
We wish Michael all the very best and definitely don’t stop baking…
