Heartbroken Great British Bake Off viewers insist the 'wrong person' has been sent home and say they won't be tuning in next week as show icon is sent packing during Autumn Week

Great British Bake Off viewers have shared their anguish after a show favourite was sent home when she failed to impress during Autumn Week.

Nelly, who has proved popular throughout series 15 of the show, landed in the bottom two after struggling with her seasonal bakes on Tuesday's episode.

Palliative care assistant Nelly, 44, has become the sixth contestant to leave the Channel 4 show, in the same week that Sumayah was named Star Baker.

The contestants faced three seasonal-based challenges including a sweet autumn-inspired pie signature for their first task.

They then faced a vegan technical and were asked to make parkin and before creating cakes celebrating seasonal vegetables for their showstopper.

After her exit was announced, Nelly said: 'It's not commiseration, it is a positive, I am so ready to leave. I never ever thought I would get to round six! I know my children are so proud.

'It's not to teach them to win, it is to teach them to enjoy. Don't cry! Everyone is crying.... Of course I am happy – in each of your heart is a piece of Nelly and you are never going to forget me. Cake – we can bake!'

She continued: 'I was ready to leave and felt it was my time to go.'

Nelly, who formed a close bond with host Noel Fielding on the show, added: 'Noel had the role of sending me home and he found that so difficult.

'I was looking at him and trying to support him with my eyes to say it is OK.

'But he couldn’t look at me, he was genuinely upset. The production team were crying and it really touched my heart so much.'

Noel wasn't the only one sad to see Nelly go, as gutted fans of the show took to X to share their heartbreak over her exit.

Sharing their thoughts, viewers said: 'Loved Nelly'; 'I was only watching it for Nelly. It can F off now'; 'Nooo GBBO I'm heartbroken'; 'Please bear with us, we're about to enter the five stages of grief';

'No no no. Not Nelly. She is a force of nature. Bad decision, Prue and Paul'; 'I've never been this sad for a contestant going home before. Nelly is such a treasure. Teach them not to win but to enjoy. I love you!' 

'NELLY NOOO, the way our house collectively gasped'; 'What do you mean I've got to watch Bake Off next week without Nelly on my screen. Actual heartbreak';

'Noo I'm going to so miss Nelly, lovely lady, good luck Nelly you've been fab'; 'No I refuse. Absolutely not. Not our Nelly . The tent isn't going to be dead now'; 'First Andy and now Nelly Bake Off why are you doing this to us'.