After tackling a tricky trio of baklavas, entremets and schichttortes in the semi-final, queen of spice Chetna was defeated. Only Richard, Luis and Nancy will return to the tent for the final, but who will take the Bake Off crown?

The current favourite is Richard Burr, a builder and family man who has accumulated a loyal following, mainly due to the pencil he keeps tucked behind his ear that most likely contains all of his magical baking powers. Having won star baker a record five times, he has wowed Paul and Mary with his mouth-watering toffee apple doughnuts and triumphed with his unusual “éclair stair”. His creativity and ability to produce perfection may mean he’s the bookies’ favourite, but week six saw him fighting for a place after floundering in European cake week. Will his nerves see him through the last round?

Someone who never seems to get nervous is Nancy Birtwhistle; although anxious when her bakes are in the oven, she always manages to pull it out of the bag. She may have frustrated Paul by referring to him as ‘the male judge’, but she has been a firm favourite throughout, being confident in her bakes and range of technical skills. However, she has had some issues, especially when it came to bread. Her technique of putting dough in the microwave lead to a monster of a loaf, and her defiance of the Paul Hollywood eyebrow didn’t earn her any brownie points.

The last finalist is graphic designer Luis Troyano, who has brought many a beautiful bake to the Bake Off’s gingham alter. This dark horse seems to have slipped under the radar for most of the competition, but may just take home the winner’s crown. Revolutionizing doughnuts with a bit of booze and storming bread week with incredible roscón de reyes, he may just be triumphant.

The Bake Off final is on Wednesday 8^th October 20:00 BBC1

Emily Murray