‘The Great British Baking Show’s Marc Proved He was the “Real Gent” of the Season

The Great British Baking Show is known for the grace of its contestants. Barring the infamous Bin-gate, the show’s contestants have been the paradigms of kind, courteous, and totally good sports. But every year, there is one who stands apart in their chivalry. This year that was Marc Elliott. The sweet single dad of two teen girls (also living in the Bake Off bubble) brought a kindness to the tent that couldn’t be matched. He was, in Laura Adlington’s words, “a real gent.” And — spoiler alert — we will miss him.

Yes, sweet, wonderful Marc had to go. That’s the way his Showstopper cake literally crumbled. But this season of The Great British Baking Show on Netflix was all the better for having him, his wit, and his unique take on the human spirit in the tent. While other bakers were worried over the proper pronunciation of genoise (and I’m siding with the native French-speaker, Hermine, on this one), Marc’s mind was on the greater devils hounding us in life. Anxiety, insecurity, depression, and self-growth.

When we first met Marc all the way back in the season premiere of The Great British Baking Show Collection 8, he was introduced as a bronze resin sculpter with a heart of gold, but maybe not the best baking skills. Marc literally almost went home after the first challenge. His ode to David Bowie was not necessarily the prettiest or most delicious cake to ever grace the tent. Nevertheless, he held on, and by Week 3, became Star Baker during the all-important “Bread Week.”

Because Marc was able to stay in the tent longer, we got to see him do everything from get hugs from his exuberant teen daughters to take a bottle of buttercream to the eye. However, the thing about Marc that will likely stay with us the longest is his story.

Marc shared mid-season that he had lost his leg in a motorcycle accident years ago. The accident left him with a prosthetic leg (that you hardly ever notice), but more importantly, a deep sense of depression and anger. Marc explained that he had to focus on healing inward. To do so, he turned to sculpture — which he now does for a living — and baking. These calming past-times lent him a sense of peace…and propelled him right to The Great British Baking Show tent.

Marc’s newfound zen was on full display upon his elimination. Upon bidding the judges adieu, he admitted, “I knew I reached my limit this week.” In his confessional, Marc got even deeper.

“I’ve come to the [Great British Baking Show], to sort of face my anxieties, to face failure, to face all those things that, as people, we’re uncomfortable about dealing with,” Marc said. “I’ve definitely learnt more about myself. And maybe, from what lots of people have said, it’s just to give myself a bit more credit as well, which I don’t.”

Hell yeah, Marc! You do need to give yourself more credit! You won Star Baker on “Bread Week!” You made it to the Quarter-Finals! You did this all while juggling being a single father to two girls in the middle of a pandemic! Marc, you rock!

Marc Elliott is more than a real gent. He’s a class act, incredible baker, and inspiration to any of us who have felt knocked down in life. With grace, perspective, and love, we, too, can pick ourselves up.

Watch The Great British Baking Show on Netflix