BOLTON baker Makbul Patel says he has 'no regrets' after being eliminated during the second episode of the Great British Bake Off.

Makbul, known as Mak, says he has been overwhelmed by support from fellow Boltonians after leaving the popular Channel 4 show on Tuesday night.

The self-taught baker’s exit on 'Biscuit Week' sparked anger on social media with many feeling he should have progressed to the next round.

But Sharples dad-of-three Mak, 51, who works for Bolton at Home, is magnanimous in defeat.

He said: “All I can say is that the other contestants did really well.

"I cannot really say if it was harsh. I gave it my best and the people who went through deserved it.”

The showstopper round saw Mak attempt to make an Indian chai tea set from biscuits.

However, judge Prue Leith criticised his biscuits for being flat rather than having been moulded into round shapes.

After watching the show, which was filmed in July, Mak said he was grateful for support.

“I would like to give thanks to the public and the community of Bolton for their support”, he said.

“I am sorry I have had an earlyish exit but it was an achievement for me to be on the show.”

Mak also penned a leaving letter in which he said Bake Off brings the “nation together” and that it was a “privilege” to have been selected.

“There is always hope in baking”, he wrote.

Mak’s appetite for baking has far from dwindled following his experience.

He added: “Baking is a love and hate relationship. When I got back from the show I was exhausted but my passion is still there. I am still very fond of baking and any type of cooking.”

Production of the 11th series was initially delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic, but filming finished in August. The bakers, presenters and others working on the programme formed a "bubble" throughout the duration of filming.