GREAT British Bake Off’s Michael Chakraverty has opened up about his anxiety battle after breaking down on the show.
The baker had a tough time on Tuesday night’s episode of the Channel 4 baking competition after experiencing an anxiety attack during week five’s technical challenge.
The 26-year-old has addressed the emotional scenes on Twitter – and tells others with anxiety to speak out if they are suffering.
Michael wrote: “hey kids, let’s talk about anxiety. watching last night’s episode was uncomfortable but mainly it showed me that I can do things even though (and especially when) I think I can’t.
“please know there’s always a way past, through or around the shadow. there is always someone who will listen and you are always stronger than you think.
“bake off is the most intense, incredible and scary thing I’ve ever done. I met 12 wonderful bakers who listened, understood and encouraged – and that doesn’t even include the most kind and supportive team off camera.
“guess what? despite the voices saying otherwise, I could and I did. if you need help, please reach out. and if you’re making beignet soufflés I’ll be thinking of you. x”
GBBO fans and bakers alike came out to support the star.
Rosie Brandreth-Poynter from this year’s series sent out love hearts, while Tom Hetherington from 2017’s said: “You know my feelings on this you BEAUT.”
One fan wrote: “When you got overwhelmed and thought you couldn’t do it, I started to tear up! So proud of you for not giving up though!”
Another added: “I related so much to you last night and felt/remembered my own personal panic attacks. I felt so proud of you for continuing even when your mind makes it seem impossible. I also think seeing it made me feel less alone x”
The scene started when bakers were tasked with creating beignet soufflés for the technical challenge.
When Michael’s weren’t raising properly, he began to cry as he said: “I can’t do this anymore.”
However, after some comforting from presenter Noel Fielding he was back in the action.
Tuesday night’s episode was not without controversy, as some fans called the brutal double elimination of Helena and Michelle a “fix”.
Many were in disbelief when they heard co-presenter Sandi announced they were leaving the show – with many saying Priya and Rosie should have left instead.
Four other contestants have been given the boot from the show so far, including man-bun wearing Dan Chambers, young Jamie Finn, the first female contestant to leave the show Amelia le Bruin, and driver Phil Thorne.
Alice Fevronia is tipped to win the show, with Ladbrokes putting her odds at 3/1.
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