What week is it on Bake Off? Week 8 Free-From theme explained, and which contestants are in the quarter finals

The Great British Bake Off 2021 has been full of difficult challenges - from creating caramel showstoppers to intricately detailed pies.

However, the competition is not about to get any easier for the remaining five bakers - as week eight is ‘Free From’ week.

With veganism growing in popularity across the world and gluten-free diets becoming more common, free-from brownies, breads and bakes are now regularly sold in cafes, shops and markets.

So, what can we expect from ‘Free From’ week? This is what you need to know.

What week is it on the Great British Bake Off?

This week, the bakers tackle gluten free, dairy free and vegan bakes.

Free from ranges have been popping up in supermarkets for the past decade, with brownies, bread and cereals all becoming increasingly easy to source for those who eliminate gluten, dairy and meat from their diet.

The flour and thickening agents used must be modified, depending what ingredients are omitted - making homebaking incredibly difficult.

From using aquafaba instead of eggs to replacing strong plain flour with almond flour, the challenges are limitless and so are the ingredients.

What challenges will bakers face in week 8?

This week’s episode will see the remaining bakers produce some british classics, but without modern baking ingredients and techniques.

The signature challenge will require dairy-free alternatives

A hearty vegan pastry technical challenge (anyone for a Gregg’s sausage roll?)

And finally, a gluten free showstopper celebration cake with several tiers and intricate detail

What bakers are still in the show?

• Jürgen, 56, an IT professional from Sussex

• Chigs, 40, a car production operative from Liverpool

• Crystelle, 26, a client relationship manager, of London

• Giuseppe, 45, a chief engineer from Bristol

• Lizzie, 28, a car production operative from Liverpool

So far, George, Freya, Maggie, Rochica, Jairzeno and Tom have been axed from the iconic tent.

What time is Bake Off on TV tonight?

Week six of The Great British Bake Off will air on Tuesday 9 November at 8pm on Channel 4.

GBBO episodes are also available to watch on All4, shortly after broadcast.