Great British Bake Off star admits to £20,000 disability benefit fraud-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro

A Bake Off Star has admitted to disability benefit fraud (Picture: BBC)

The Great British Bake Off contestant Marc Elliott has admitted to more than £20,000 of disability benefit fraud, it’s been reported.

The sculptor from Cornwall was the fifth baker eliminated from the competition in 2020.

Elliott, who took up baking after a horror motorcycle accident in 2016 where he lost his left leg, has claimed money for suffering from severe anxiety, according to reports.

The Sun states that Elliot, 55, has pleaded guilty to benefit fraud at a hearing last month.

He claimed £20,430 and was sentenced to a three-year conditional discharge at Bodmin magistrates’ court.

Work and Pensions secretary Mel Stride told the publication: ‘Benefit fraud takes money away from those who need it the most, so it is only right and fair we bring to justice those caught stealing from the taxpayer.’

Marc Elliott was on The Great British Bake Off in 2020 (Picture: C4/Love Productions/Mark Bourdil)

After his exit, Elliott penned a farewell letter where he told fans he treasures the friendships he made while participating on the programme.

‘Just the most crazy, intense, wonderful, once in a lifetime experience,’ he wrote.

‘And I feel honoured to be part of this year’s Great British Bake Off! The bond and friendships made this year are extra special as we were living, baking and socialising 24/7.

‘For me personally being able to share this bonkers experience with my daughters and dog Hamish, just made it one of the most memorable periods of my life.’

Elliott continued: ‘A massive thank you to Love Productions, the amazing camera and sound crew, the food team, the runners, the Down Hall staff for making us so welcome. Love you all – Marc :).’

Speaking to the cameras after his elimination, the contestant confessed: ‘I came to Bake Off to face my anxiety, to face failure, to face all those things that people are quite uncomfortable about dealing with.

‘I’ve definitely learnt a bit more about myself.’

The Great British Bake Off is available to watch on Channel 4.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Dating site fraudsters conned elderly man out of £138,000

MORE : Fraudster used dead wife’s £200,000 insurance payout to travel with new girlfriend

Entertainment – MetroRead More