A STAR of The Great British Bake Off has revealed he was previously rejected from the show.

Jurgen Krauss, who lives in Kemp Town, quickly became a fan favourite on the hit Channel 4 show – winning star baker in the opening two episodes.

However, the German-born IT technician controversially missed out on a place in the final, despite winning the technical challenge in the penultimate episode of the 2021 series.

During an interview on The Argus Podcast, Jurgen revealed he had previously applied to be on the show.

“I had applied once before, but my heart wasn’t in it,” he said. “I didn’t hear from them.

“It’s possible my email arrived after the cut-off time.”

The Argus: The Great British Bake Off star Jurgen Krauss The Great British Bake Off star Jurgen Krauss

Discussing his application for the most recent series of The Great British Bake Off, Jurgen said the time between applying and hearing back was quicker than expected.

“I had lots of colleagues telling me I should be on there,” he said.

“I applied on the second day applications opened. Then I received a call pretty much the next working day.”

Jurgen’s exit shocked viewers, as well as fellow contestants Crystelle, Chigs and Giuseppe, who went on to win the show.

In the semi-final, the group were tasked with making layered slices, a sablé breton tart and a showstopping entremet display as part of patisserie week.

Jurgen was the only contestant not to receive a coveted handshake from judge Paul Hollywood and subsequently left the show.

“It was certainly a shock to everyone in the tent,” he said. “But I could see it coming.

“It felt like maybe I was a slightly different level, which I expected winning the first two weeks star baker. Going in on a high level, it’s then hard to reach above from there.

“I also took risks in the semi-final. I used flavours that are a bit out there. Matcha tea, I knew the judges were not fond of the flavour.”

But Jurgen said he had no regrets.

“I expected maybe to go out second or third week,” he added.

“The whole Bake Off experience was an overwhelming, out of this world experience.”

The full episode of The Argus Podcast featuring Jurgen will be available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts on Saturday, January 8.