A SOGGY cake, oozing Ma’Amoul and a bland showstopper were enough to seal a Dudley man's fate in The Great British Bake Off.

Retired air steward Terry Hartill left the famous tent last night alongside Karen as they both failed to impress during the spice week challenges.

Contestants were tasked with creating a ginger cake for their signature piece, the Middle Eastern pastry Ma’Amoul for the technical challenge, and a chandelier of spiced biscuits for the showstopper.

As last night's show kicked off, Terry- whose absence from last week’s show due to illness meant that all contestants were spared being sent home - said it was "lovely" to be back, adding: "Whatever happens at least I'll stay or go on merit, rather than something out of the ordinary."

But his joy was short lived as his pear and stem ginger cake was "sliding everywhere" as he assembled it as it hadn't had enough time to cool.

“I give up,” he sighed before facing the judges.

Paul Hollywood didn't mince his words as he said: “It looks a mess,” while Prue Leith noted that it looked "very gluey".

Things didn't look up for Terry during the technical challenge as his efforts melted in the oven.

Although Prue said the flavours were "nice", Paul said there were "serious problems" with the pastry.

Terry failed to deliver with his showstopper either, leading to Paul Hollywood - who was alone in making the final judgment on who should leave the show in the fifth week, as fellow judge Prue Leith was unavailable because of illness - giving him the boot.

The 56-year-old was overcome with emotion as he said his farewell and said the show had "really helped him" to "fill a void" following his wife's death.

"I have met a lot of lovely people and I'm sure we'll keep in touch or a long time.

"I won't stop baking, I'm very much looking forward to more adventurous projects carried out in a bigger timeframe."

The Great British Bake Off continues next Tuesday on Channel 4 at 8pm.