BRACKNELL'S star baker's dreams of being this year's winner of the Great British Bake Off flaked away last night as pastry week got the better of him and he was knocked out of the competition. 

Tensions were running high in the tent this week and unfortunately things didn't go to plan for the 37-year-old nurse, Alvin Magallanes, as he undercooked both his signature dish, his plum frangipane tart, and his vol-au-vents for the bakers' showstopper challenge.

He found time was against him in the first challenge and his pizza-like flaouna, a Cypriot cheese-filled pastry the bakers were asked to make, which sometimes also include raisins or can be garnished with sesame seeds. saw him in the bottom two in the technical.

Alvin said: "I always wanted to be on the show, I just got hooked and my interest in baking grew even more as I watched it. I bought everything from books to baking equipment and different spices and flavours.

"When we arrived on the coach for the first day of filming, I could see the top part of the tent in the field and I couldn’t believe it. All I ever wanted was to be part of the 12 bakers and there I was, it was so exciting, and no one can ever take that feeling away from me.

"As bakers we share a lovely warm security blanket and we support each other.

"I feel I can call myself a good baker now, as I have moved on from cupcakes and sponges. I like to keep challenging myself, which is good I think. I was flattered and proud when Mary commented on my flavours, and to hear that is an amazing thing.

"How many people in everyday life get positive comments from the doyenne of baking? Initially I was nervous of Paul’s comments and I was so surprised to find he is very down to earth and gave good comments about my bread, and to get a good note from Paul is great."

He added that his best moment in the tent was bread week but his worst was when he couldn't finish his biscuit box in biscuit week.