Bake Off's Crystelle reveals 'imposter syndrome' after beating Jürgen to finale

Great British Bake Off's Crystelle has admitted she experienced imposter syndrome the week ahead the semi-finals, revealing she never expected to make it so far in the show. 

The 26-year-old quadrilingual will join fellow contestants Giuseppe and Chiggs next Tuesday for the finale of the popular Channel 4 baking competition, after beating fan favorite Jürgen in a nail-bitingly close Pâtisserie Week. 

Crystelle took to social media to share her excitement—and disbelief—over her stellar performance in the Great British Bake Off 2021's ninth episode last night, which saw her win Star Baker and even receive a coveted handshake from judge Paul Hollywood. 

"I can’t even deal with the emotions right now—star baker and I’M A GBBO FINALIST?!!! I don’t think those words will ever sink in. Ever," she gushed to her 44k Instagram followers shortly after the results were announced. 

Crystelle, who is the second youngest of the Great British Bake Off 2021 contestants, wowed judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leigh with her Showstopper creation, which was dedicated to her sister's upcoming nuptials. 

Fittingly called 'Tropical Wedding Entremets', the extravagant banquet display took a whopping five hours to complete and featured a candle cake sitting beneath a sugar icing floral arbor. 

Paul hailed the design as 'flawless', shortly after extending a handshake in recognition of Crystelle's yuzu, coconut and black sesame slices. The Client Relationships manager was crowned Star Baker for her impressive work at the end of the episode, marking the second time she landed the prestigious title in the season.  

"If I’m honest, I went into this week with a lot of imposter syndrome, feeling really out of my depth, so I just told myself to bake as if it were my last time in the tent," she wrote. "Pâtisserie was just never my ‘thing’. So, for this to happen is just mind-blowing, and I feel so blessed and eternally grateful. And of course, in complete and utter shock." 

Never one to let success go to her head, Crystelle was sure to pay tribute to Jürgen in her celebratory post. The German native's elimination from the series has caused quite the controversy, with some Bake Off fans now refusing to tune in after Jürgen's axing. Tipped as one of the potential winners of the wholesome show, both viewers and contestants—including Crystelle—were stunned to see him exit the iconic tent on last night's episode. 

"This wouldn’t be complete without shouting out my hero, @juergenthebread," she said. "He is one of the most talented and inspirational people I have ever met (not to mention my saviour from the squirrels in the practice tent 🤣). Jürgen has won the hearts of so many, including mine, and will always be such a special person in my life. You’re the best, Jürgenator❤️". 

Despite winning the technical challenge, Jürgen failed to survive the semi-finals after disappointing Paul with his 'Torii Gate in the Sea' in the Showstopper round. The IT professional ran out of time during his recreation of the traditional Japanese symbol, resulting in a less-than-optimal finished piece. 

Prue criticized the earthy colors as "a bit boring to look at”, doling out yet another strike after Paul's underwhelmed reaction to Jürgen's Murder at the Opera slices in the Signature round. Fans have been quick to condemn Paul for his treatment of the lovable 56-year-old, with many taking to Twitter to vent their frustrations.