Great British Bake Off viewers devastated as contestant's showstopper collapses ahead of judging

A Great British Bake Off contestant was left heartbroken after her showstopper collapsed just before judging.

Carole, 59, was trying to make an impressive 3D biscuit mask on the Channel 4 show, but was left gutted when she discovered it had crumbled as she tried to help another baker. Unfortunately for the contestant, affectionately known as Compost Carole, the discovery came just as she was about to showcase her efforts to judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood.

She broke down, crying into a white napkin at the incident, while fellow bakers tried to console her. And the scenes caused viewers to get emotional too, with many taking to Twitter to reveal they were weepy.

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One user wrote: "I am literally in tears at Carole asking everyone if they want any help, all the while her showstopper has broken on the stand." Another said: "Me crying over Carole's mask. All the bakers crying over Carole's mask," while a third said: "Hands up if you’re crying for Compost Carole."

Devastatingly, Dorset-native Carole had to present her efforts to the judges with a huge hole in the middle after being unable to mend it, reports The Mirror. In true Paul style, he offered constructive criticism, questioning why she used lard in the recipe.

Carole's bake collapsed prior to the showcase (Channel 4)

The judge said: "If you'd baked it a little bit longer it might have helped. It's a shame as it's beautiful."

Thankfully for Carole, her earlier performances saved her from the chop and she lived to fight another day in the tent, much to the delight of the show's fans. However, 18-year-old Maisam was less fortunate and got her marching orders. The student and sales assistant came to the end of the road after she failed to impress in Biscuit Week.

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