Much-loved amateur baker Lizzie Acker became the eighth Great British Bake Off contestant to leave the competition.
During last night's episode, 28-year-old dog lover Lizzie struggled to make it through the trials and tribulations of 'Free-From' week, which centred on delivering bakes missing either a gluten or a dairy element to them.
Lizzie, from Liverpool, said: "I was so pleased to get to where I did, and the bakers that made it to the semi-final truly deserve to be there.
"It was so good to get back to Liverpool and see all my family again. My roots are so deep for Liverpool and I am very proud of the city and love showing people around it."
The quarter-final episode saw the bakers scurrying to craft 12 identical dairy-free ice-cream cakes for the signature challenge, whilst the Technical had them cooking vegan sausage rolls.
Lizzie, who works at a Jaguar car factory, admitted: "My first challenge was an ice cream with almond brittle, and the judges both liked the flavours and textures.
"With my vegan sausage rolls for the technical challenge they thought they were a bit overbaked but had good flavour and lamination."
It was during the Showstopper challenge that Lizzie was finally able to blow the judges away however, with her multicoloured gluten-free coconut sponge cake creation to that was crafted to celebrate her special educational needs.
"For my showstopper I wanted to celebrate SEN [special educational needs] it’s all about being different. I get a lot of brain fuzz and I wanted to show that in my showstopper."
Lizzie suffers with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition characterised by behaviours such as hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattentiveness. She also has dyslexia.
"I felt that was the best cake I have ever made in my life, and I walked out of that tent with my head held high."
It was co-presenter Noel Fielding that had to deliver the bad news to the contestants that it would be Lizzie leaving them.
During her departure, judge Paul Hollywood said: "It’s really sad to see Lizzie go as she is from my neck of the woods. She has been up and down over the weeks, but this week she has done really well.
"The problem was she came up with an ace, but then everybody else did."
Lizzie, recognisable for her bold outfit choices and often colourful hairstyles, also opened up about the Bake Off family bonds that she formed with other contestants whilst taking part in the baking competition.
"Maggie and I watched the Liverpool Marathon and clapped everyone as they came through at the end."
"We got recognised a lot because we were together, and it got quite emotional and Maggie was crying, I was crying and everyone was crying.
"My best moment was just before filming of episode five talking to Freya and Crystelle about how proud we were of ourselves that we were baking in the tent and then it started to sink in knowing you have made friends for life."
Lizzie will join Jo Brand and Tom Allen on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice this Friday on Channel 4 at 8pm.
