Kent’s Bake Off contestant is the eighth baker to leave the tent after a tough meringue week.

Lesley Holloway, a hairdresser, narrowly missed out on a spot in the top five in the episode that aired yesterday evening.

The 59-year-old made a Vacherin glacé in the style of a wedding cake, inspired by her daughter's upcoming wedding.

It was her showstopper in what is Great British Bake Off’s first meringue-themed week.

Judge Prue Leith praised the flavour of the meringue, but Paul Hollywood complained about its texture, calling it “chewy”.

Lesley was ultimately sent home, but said at the end of the show: “Do you know what, I knew it was coming. It was like ripping the plaster off.”

She has been baking since she was 10, having learned from her nanny, Mable, and aunt Joan.

The amateur baker lives with her partner Mark and her two dogs, Norman and Marley, and has her own salon.

Her clients can often expect a slice of cake when they come for a trim or colour.

Ahead of her TV debut, she said: “I never dreamt that I would be good enough to get into the Bake Off tent.

“I have applied a few times before, but never actually thought I would get through!”