Great British Bake Off contestant Terry Hartill has left the nation in tears after he penned an emotional open letter thanking fans for all their support.
Hartill, who was booted out of the competition during Spice Week, had fans in tears as he opened up about how baking – and the show – filled a “void” left after the death of his wife Joanna last year.
The retired air steward, who is not on social media, contacted show bosses via a handwritten letter, which was shared on the show's official Twitter account ahead of tonight's final.
The letter read: “I would like to express a massive thank you to everybody who has supported me and my family over the last few months.
“We are so overwhelmed by the huge response we have received and I am particularly grateful for all your kind words online and on social media.
“It has been a difficult time since the loss of my wife and when my daughter applied for the show on my behalf we never could have expected the wonderful reaction that we have experienced and continue to receive.”
Hartill wrote about the competition being “difficult” at times, making reference to his melting Eiffel Tower, but spoke about his “enjoyable” experience and how he had made lifelong friends.
The 54-year-old concluded: “I am very excited for the future and again would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their love and encouragement. Yours, Terry.”
Fans were left welling up, with many wanting to give the “gracious chap” a hug while others joked they had “something in their eye”.
One wrote: “I’m too emotionally fragile for this. We love you Terry!”
Another said: “Terry we love you, you were a pleasure to watch and I wish you all the very best for what’s to come xxxx.”
Fellow contestant Manon Lagreve also paid tribute, saying she had “too much love for this special man”.
Hartill’s wife Joanna died last year, aged 52, after a 10-month battle with cancer, a loss he described as “massive” when he spoke tearfully after his elimination.
He said: “I said I wouldn't get upset. It's funny when you're on your own... my wife and I were very happy and that was a massive loss.
“There wasn't anything to fill the void for a very long time so it's given me a focus. I've met some lovely people I'm sure we'll keep in touch for a very long time.”
The Great British Bake Off final is on Channel 4, tonight at 8pm
