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Posted by: Count Olaf 27th January 2017, 07:13 PM

The big TV news of last year was that the Bake Off moved from BBC One to Channel 4 and the show has lost Mary Berry, Mel and Sue along the way. While the BBC has been heavily rumoured to be developing a rival to the show, here is the thread for all things actual Bake Off!

It has been (sort of) confirmed that there WILL be a full series airing this year after doubts over the BBC's year without airing clause. There has also been heavy rumours that today has seen test screenings to find a co-judge for Paul Hollysnake. Those spotted have been Michel Roux Jr, Rachel Allen, Frances Atkins, Lady Claire MacDonald and Claire Clarke.

I'm expecting there to be two new judges to make the dynamic different from the start to what the audience has been used to!

Posted by: Silas 27th January 2017, 08:02 PM

Nej takk. GBBO can take a running jump off the white cliffs.

Posted by: princess lotita 27th January 2017, 08:20 PM

i'm not sure if i'll bother to watch this:')

Posted by: Suedehead2 16th March 2017, 05:39 PM

Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding will be presenting the programme on Channel 4.

http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2017-03-16/sandi-toksvig-and-noel-fielding-to-front-channel-4s-great-british-bake-off

Posted by: Brett-Butler 16th March 2017, 05:58 PM

Well, it's an unconventional pair, to say the least. Sandi's a good fit, but I'm not sure if Noel can tone down his zaniness for this kind of show.

Posted by: Liаm 16th March 2017, 06:02 PM

Noel bloody Fielding... What a random/annoying pick. Sandi seems about right and I'm sure Prue Leith will be fine.

Posted by: liamk97 16th March 2017, 06:13 PM

I like Noel Fielding but him co-hosting The Great British Bake Off? Give me a break.

Posted by: Mart!n 16th March 2017, 07:19 PM

What a terrible pairing, could have gone with the hairy bikers

Posted by: Chez Wombat 16th March 2017, 07:35 PM

Credit to them for not taking an obvious pairing/judge, still not sure it's enough to get me watching. Noel Fielding on Bake Off just seems so random, a disaster waiting to happen

Posted by: Klaus 16th March 2017, 08:04 PM

Noel Fielding is an unexpected choice but the other two seem very well fitted. Prue does seem a bit too of a safe choice though and will never top Mary!

Posted by: Liаm 16th March 2017, 08:07 PM

I am feeling this will be a "watch if there's absolutely nothing else on" sort of thing that if I miss it I won't catch up I'll give it a chance anyway.

Posted by: Cremey 16th March 2017, 08:53 PM

Am I the only one loving the sound of this? 👀
I think they'll both be great.

Posted by: burbe 17th March 2017, 11:31 AM

What on earth

Posted by: Jack 18th March 2017, 09:55 PM

Cannot STAND Noel Fielding so won't be watching. Shame as the last series was my favourite .

Posted by: Kye 18th March 2017, 10:10 PM

I agree, I don't get it and won't be watching because of him.. terrible choice. Don't they know their demo at all?

Posted by: Cameron 18th March 2017, 10:12 PM

I'll wait for the BBC's replacement ty

Posted by: Mack 18th March 2017, 10:33 PM

A very mismatched pair there.

Posted by: Slick 18th March 2017, 10:36 PM

I don't know much about any of the new additions except Noel Fielding but he seems a VERY odd choice. I wonder if he'll last longer than one series.

Posted by: irn_brube 14th April 2017, 09:59 AM

Posted by: cqmerqn 14th April 2017, 11:25 AM

Looks like a bushtucker trial

Posted by: Irn Broot 14th April 2017, 11:31 AM

I saw a comment saying that it looks as though they've photoshopped Noel and Prue's faces onto Sue and Mary's bodies

Posted by: lewistgreen 3rd August 2017, 03:17 PM

I was only thinking the other day that surely we'd hear something soon given as it is this time of year the series starts and today we finally have a teaser trailer

Posted by: 13 Beaches 3rd August 2017, 09:00 PM

ngl I cringed watching this :') I'll try the first episode but good lord I don't have good vibes at all.

Posted by: Brett-Butler 3rd August 2017, 09:30 PM

THERE'S BATTENBERG IN THE TRAILER! (sure, only in the last 2 seconds, but I'll take what I can get).

That was a pretty fantastic trailer, well animated, albeit not in keeping with the tone of the show (it seems like one of Noel Fielding's nice dreams).

Posted by: Mack 3rd August 2017, 09:32 PM

Singing cakes what the hell. Are they trying to test our intelligence?

Posted by: lewistgreen 16th August 2017, 11:56 AM

Starting 29th August at 8pm!

Posted by: burbe 16th August 2017, 08:38 PM

Back in its traditional Tuesday slot!

Posted by: lewistgreen 20th August 2017, 02:36 PM

'Extra Slice' is also returning with Jo Brand presenting again. Will be on Thursdays at 10pm.

Posted by: Liаm 22nd August 2017, 10:07 AM

Th contestants are out on Twitter, including what looks like another Flora, and the eldest contestant ever.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner 22nd August 2017, 10:29 AM

I'm debating being like "well it is GBBO" and watching or if I'm gonna avoid it for the principle of it (and illegally download it instead coz f*** your viewing figures and ad revenues C4/Love Pictures)

Posted by: Suedehead2 22nd August 2017, 10:40 AM

Prue Leith (aka not Mary Berry) has dared to suggest people might watch on catch-up so that they can skip the ad breaks. That's certainly what I plan to do. I haven't watched an advert on telly (apart from there occasional one in someone else's home) for many years. That's what catch-up and the mute button were invented for.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner 22nd August 2017, 11:12 AM

All4 still forces ads on you that you can't skip. Sky/Virgin/Freeview box you can fast forward through is best way but then this still adds to viewing figures and I'm not 100% I want to do that

Posted by: lewistgreen 22nd August 2017, 12:00 PM

The Press have had their screening of the first episode and the general consensus is that despite the presenting change, the show is pretty much still the same as the BBC version which cannot be a bad thing I suppose.

Episodes will run at 75 mins with ad breaks.

Posted by: Suedehead2 22nd August 2017, 05:17 PM

If you watch Ch4 catch-up from the Tivo box you can skip the ads. On a laptop you can't. I shall record it and skip the ads.

Posted by: burbe 22nd August 2017, 07:44 PM

I'll tune in out of curiosity but I want it to flop for what they've done Either way, I'm really curious to see what rating it gets on Channel 4. I imagine the newspapers have pre-prepared their 'GBBO in crisis with flop new team' articles.

Posted by: Suedehead2 23rd August 2017, 12:36 AM

I'm sure they have. I'm equally sure that Ch4 have already written their response.

Posted by: Liаm 23rd August 2017, 02:19 PM

It's setting up for a fall really, even if it gets like 8 million that'd be fab for Channel 4 or any other show, but given the 16 million who watched Candice win that'd be a flop for the show They cant win really. I think we'll be pleasantly surprised given the reviews, it might be good but I just cannot see it coming close to the magic of the BBC incarnation.

Posted by: cqmerqn 23rd August 2017, 03:48 PM

16m watched the final last year? Blimey.

Can see this opening with 10m then getting 7-8m per episode after

Posted by: Klaus 23rd August 2017, 03:55 PM

If Benefits Street & Big Fat Gypsy Weddings were able to get ~6-7m, this should be able to average at least 8m. Of corse it will always be down on the BBC ratings and, as people have said, the press will be relishing it, particularly as they're able to compare it to those 16m last year. As Suede said though, Channel 4 will have written their response which probably contains it being the most watched show on Channel 4 ever (I think the current record is Big Brother).

I'd say around 8-9m, possibly going up to 10m. The extra 15 mins makes it more awkward though.

Posted by: Klaus 29th August 2017, 11:53 AM

Well we've made it! Tonight sees the first episode of Series 8 air, the first on Channel 4 and the first with Prue, Noel and Sandi (instead of Mary, Mel & Sue).

Despite the new line-up and the new channel (and the addition of adverts), it does look very similar to what we're used to, with all three challenges remaining and an extra 15 minutes added to make up for the adverts.

Will you be watching? When will be the first mention of a soggy bottom?

Posted by: cqmerqn 29th August 2017, 11:57 AM

I'll be watching. This will be the first time I've watched the series in full.

Posted by: Shaphne 29th August 2017, 11:58 AM

I'll certainly tune into the first episode to see if it's worth it, not sure if i'll manage the whole series, but not going to judge until I see it.

Posted by: Liаm 29th August 2017, 12:02 PM

I'll watch at least to give it a chance, it of course won't be the same as before but the reviews have left me cautiously optimistic.

Posted by: Klaus 29th August 2017, 12:04 PM

Indeed, the reviews have surprised me! Of course, it won't be perfect from the first ep and there's not that natural already there chemistry that Mel & Sue had but it does look like it's still very similar to what came before.

Posted by: Andrew. 29th August 2017, 06:47 PM

Yeah I was worried they'd 'Channel 4' it but it looks almost the same apart from the team on it which is a relief!

Posted by: Klaus 29th August 2017, 07:01 PM

bake

Posted by: dandy* 29th August 2017, 07:03 PM

I'm watching! Am pleased by how little they have messed with the format and I'm liking Prue on first impression. Also liking Sandi, the jury is out on Noel as I'm just not certain he fits the show.

Posted by: Mack 29th August 2017, 07:03 PM

Why bring Noel f***ing Fielding to the line-up?

Posted by: dandy* 29th August 2017, 07:05 PM

I like Noel on other shows, just not sure about him on this one. I'll give him a chance though.

Posted by: Liаm 29th August 2017, 07:10 PM

This really doesn't feel much different atm, it just feels odd not hearing Mel and Sue over it

Posted by: Andrew. 29th August 2017, 07:10 PM

Flo is already slaying me *.*

Posted by: dandy* 29th August 2017, 07:11 PM

Bizarrely, Noel is playing this too straight - he's almost too normal for it! I wonder if he overthought it.

Posted by: dandy* 29th August 2017, 07:12 PM

Which, of course, ironically I am overthinking.

Posted by: dandy* 29th August 2017, 07:17 PM

Oh f*** off adverts.

Posted by: Shaphne 29th August 2017, 07:19 PM

f*** I forgot! I'll +1 it. Damn Judge Judy.

Posted by: burbe 29th August 2017, 07:19 PM

I'm dying at all the baking and food themed adverts!! 😂😂

Posted by: dandy* 29th August 2017, 07:21 PM

OMG just how many different sponsors does this show have?!!!

Posted by: dandy* 29th August 2017, 07:28 PM

I didn't realise mini rolls had peppermint butter cream in them. And I don't think Cadburys realise that either.

(I have already resigned myself to going all lotti talk to myself in these threads... does she have a record for most posts in a row without response?)

Posted by: burbe 29th August 2017, 07:32 PM

This show just feels weird without Mary in particular but also Mel & Sue </3

Posted by: Klaus 29th August 2017, 07:36 PM

Two I think! Lyle's Golden Syrup and Dr Oetker.

Gotta get that 💷💷💷

Posted by: dandy* 29th August 2017, 07:39 PM

So I'm really not missing Mary at all!

Mel & Sue on the other hand are just irreplaceable - although Sandi & Noel are doing pretty well with it, I'm warming to them.

Posted by: Jester 29th August 2017, 07:43 PM

I miss Mel and Sue so much. They gave the show the magic I do like Sandi though, but it's just not the same.

Posted by: burbe 29th August 2017, 07:52 PM

Channel 4 only need 3m viewers to break even tonight, seeing the huge amount of sponsors it makes sense why!

Posted by: dandy* 29th August 2017, 07:53 PM

Some of these show stoppers look amazing!

Posted by: Shaphne 29th August 2017, 08:03 PM

Okay, so I don't miss Mel, Sue or Mary at all I adore Sandi and Prue is a delight. Noel is good too. It feels like the same show really.
I found Mel and Sue a bit OTT sometimes tbh.

Posted by: dandy* 29th August 2017, 08:08 PM

I agree on the whole, it has won me over and Noel got better as the episode progressed. I won't be watching it live ever again but I'll definitely be watching it.

Posted by: dandy* 29th August 2017, 08:10 PM

Oh and the guy who did the loaf of bread with the knife has to go.

Posted by: Suedehead2 29th August 2017, 08:18 PM

That's why I'm watching on catch-up!

Posted by: burbe 29th August 2017, 08:20 PM

I switched off to watch the rest on catch up too haha! I can't deal with Bake Off with ads, it's too much change.

Posted by: Shaphne 29th August 2017, 08:20 PM

I don't mind the ads, gives m time to get snacks

Posted by: Andrew. 29th August 2017, 08:30 PM

Flo is my favourite so far, really funny and the watermelon showstopper was the best all show *.* The panel/presenters worked way better than I thought it would too, shook I'm actually ENJOYING this

Posted by: Liаm 29th August 2017, 08:36 PM

Yeah I didn't really find myself missing Mel and Sue much at all, the show is more about the bakers and the baking so as long as the presenters are good it's fine, and they were. Good opener, I liked that it felt more harshly judged and challenged and I adored the showstopper challenge. Flo <3 <3 <3 <3

Also Steven is daddy and Tom can sit on me.

Posted by: Shaphne 29th August 2017, 08:39 PM

THIS

I am also living for Flo, I want her to be my Granny.

Posted by: Klaus 29th August 2017, 09:47 PM

Yeh the only changes were of course Prue/Noel/Sandi & the adverts and it was the adverts that were the most disappointing part even if I recorded it to fast forward them!

I do miss the originals but, as long as the format stays the same and the baking is good, it seems as though it doesn't really matter! Sandi was the best for me out of the new team whilst Noel wasn't as jarring as I expected even though I still find him a random addition! It was a great decision to add the extra 15 minutes to ensure that nothing is cut out, it would really feel quite rushed if it stuck to an hour.

As to the actual contestants, it looks like we hopefully have some tough competition after last year was slightly more underwhelming. The showstopper round in particular was one of my favourites that I've seen, a genius idea and brilliantly executed overall! The pancakes and champagne particularly looked brilliant, as did fhe watermelon when it was cut into!

Feeling quite proud of myself because I predicted who would leave right from when his cake design was unveiled from the signature challenge

Posted by: cqmerqn 29th August 2017, 10:05 PM

Very good show! The adverts are refreshing.

Posted by: Mikee1981 30th August 2017, 08:02 AM

I Actually really enjoyed it, I didn't mind the first ad break as got chance to make a cuppa and the second ad got some snacks , was peckish by then due to gorgeous food on my screen lol... but I didnt like the final ad before the reveal of star baker it seemed pointless and like an episode of X Factor.

I didn't really miss Mary, Prue seemed the perfect replacement, old lady who you want to be your nan. Sandi I adore and fitted in nicely and surprisingly I liked Noel when I initially thought he be so out of place, the only thing that threw me was when he did some of the voice overs it didn't feel right and could only think cos so used to Mel and Sue doing it, Sandi didn't throw me it felt more natural, maybe I just prefer female voice overs lol.

Like the contestants, right one left first, first star baker spot on, Flo is amazing and Tom and Steven lets hope they can keep rising to the challenge every week and keep me tuned in ;-)

Posted by: Suedehead2 30th August 2017, 08:41 AM

After time to reflect, I think the fist episode was generally just as good as ever. The fact that Sandi Toksvig ands Noel Fielding have both fitted in well does perhaps emphasis that it really is "all about the bakers". I agree with others that part of Noel's difficulty is that we are simply used to having two female presenters for the programme. That should change soon enough.

I particularly liked Noel's line about time not being an illusion!

Posted by: Suedehead2 30th August 2017, 10:04 AM

It averaged 5.8 million, 6.5 million when +1 is added. That is more than Eastenders and Emmerdale and close to the opening episode of the final series on BBC2.

Posted by: Klaus 30th August 2017, 10:06 AM

Oh, I had been expecting more than that but it may make sense if its closer to the BBC Two final series.

I guess it does give it room to grow though, which I expect it will given the positive reviews!

Posted by: cqmerqn 30th August 2017, 10:45 AM

Good ratings!

Posted by: White Mustang 30th August 2017, 11:02 AM

I was pleasantly surprised how....the same the show was. Sandi was cute, and Prue Leith was an ok Mary stand-in...

Noel however....was a bit...flat. I was worried he would be too much, but it was quite the opposite.

Posted by: AdamAloud 30th August 2017, 12:11 PM

I thoroughly enjoyed it, the high standard of some of the bakes in the showstopper really wowed me!

The only thing that annoyed me was having an ad break right before they reveal who's going home, but I suppose that's to be expected.

Posted by: Chez Wombat 30th August 2017, 01:43 PM

I gave this a shot (Idk if my family will watch this year as they're all like 'it died with the BBC' ), and I was really pleasantly surprised, it really is the same show in all but the hosting team (and I watched on catch-up with Adblock so no adverts though I will miss the history of food clips as I assume they've been dumped), and they got some pretty good replacements. Sandi is a natural for this, Prue has most of Mary's attitude and Noel, while clearly a bit less suited than the others, was much better than I expected him to be. Absolutely LOVED the illusion task, the watermelon and the builder's breakfast were incredible *.*

Flo & Julie are my early favourites, I should support Liam, being from my neck of the woods, but I found him a tad annoying :x

I thought those ratings seemed low until I realised it was the highest that Channel 4 has got since the Paralympics Opening Ceremony in 2012! Could be a record breaker for them if they keep it up.

Posted by: Suedehead2 30th August 2017, 02:10 PM

The history of food bits weren't in some of the early rounds on the BBC. There's a lot to fit in at the start with all the contestants so there isn't mush time for that. Therefore, I don't think they have necessarily been dumped.

Posted by: Mart!n 30th August 2017, 02:47 PM

I actually didn't mind it, there was still some laugh out loud moments, I agree with this week's Star Baker, could be in the running for the final, if she doesn't have a bad day at the office one week. Most of the contestants were pretty awful though, I could only pick 3 out of the lot that could end up as the final 3.

Posted by: Suedehead2 30th August 2017, 03:02 PM

The best Twitter comment I've seen so far is someone who said

Posted by: burbe 30th August 2017, 09:00 PM

So true!! He feels so out of place but the rest was fine really!

Posted by: jjake 30th August 2017, 10:17 PM

i thought it was utterly excellent...it's the format that makes it great not mel who / sue and bezza

this natural expectation that it won't be as good because what? pray tell what the former three did as they were to define this show...production is integral

[redaction: an earlier version of this post suggested the production was ventrical; nothing blood-related has anything to do with baking]

Posted by: Jay ☆ 31st August 2017, 07:36 PM

For me this felt like business as usual! I feared it'd feel all wrong without Mary, Mel & Sue - but it was absolutely fine! I loved them, but their absence isn't to the detriment of the show. The new judge/presenters have managed to maintain a similar tone as before... and I was so sceptical about them, but I warmed to them all within minutes. Like others have said, it really shows that it's mainly all about the bakers! I didn't even mind the adverts!

Some incredible bakes already in week 1! Steven *.* I'm liking Yan too! at this - https://twitter.com/nocontextgbbo/status/903218299009454080

Posted by: Aaron. 3rd September 2017, 02:18 AM

I thought this was great - that showstopper from the winner was unbelievable.
But, why is Billi Bhatti from Big Brother one of the hosts?

Posted by: Liаm 3rd September 2017, 02:26 AM

LMAOOOOOO FFS

Posted by: jjake 3rd September 2017, 02:54 AM

i've yet to to see sunglasses!!

Posted by: Regina 5th September 2017, 07:09 PM

Yan being gay somehow makes me love her more #letsgoladies

Some tasty sounding biscuits too.

Posted by: Oliver 5th September 2017, 08:09 PM

Steven is amaze! *.*

Posted by: Oliver 5th September 2017, 08:14 PM

Winning again! *.* His showstoppers are incredible.

Posted by: dandy* 5th September 2017, 08:20 PM

Wow, Steven's board game was just so much better than the others' that there really was no other valid outcome. Will he make it though? Often the early winners are culled in a mid series shock just for having one slightly off round.

Posted by: Liаm 5th September 2017, 08:24 PM

Yeah he feels like he'll come like 6th as a shock but he's deffo the one to beat at the moment!

Posted by: Jack 5th September 2017, 11:30 PM

No, I think he'll win tbh. Candice always felt like a obvious winner from the start last series, I think it'll be the same here.

Posted by: Oliver 6th September 2017, 10:25 AM

I think he'll do an Ian from Nadiya's series.

Posted by: Brett-Butler 6th September 2017, 11:31 AM

2nd episode of GBBO https://twitter.com/overnightstv/status/905373990449029120 (which I think excludes +1). Ratings are holding up well on Channel 4, even with competition from Doctor Foster.

Posted by: dandy* 6th September 2017, 07:55 PM

That's a good result, I think I've read it went over 9 million when all was combined?

Posted by: burbe 6th September 2017, 08:11 PM

It came to 9.5m on the consolidated ratings which is their fourth biggest show of the 21st century!

Will probably push 10m on the 28-day figures as well which is a huge success for Channel 4!!

Posted by: Suedehead2 6th September 2017, 08:53 PM

C4's biggest ever audience is just under 14 million. They must be hoping to beat that for the final.

Posted by: Regina 12th September 2017, 07:23 PM

PRUPAUL DRAG RACE

Posted by: dandy* 12th September 2017, 08:21 PM

I'm watching this on catch up and came here specifically to laugh at that!

Posted by: Klaus 12th September 2017, 09:48 PM

Stephen delivering another brilliamt showstopper, although I'm glad Prue stood her ground and stopped him getting star baker because of the first challenge. It's nice for a bit of variety and also, decisions can often sway too much on the showstopper. Tom survived by the skin of his teeth but I do think he has more to give than Flo.

Stanning for Yan now after getting injured from a scooter!

Also, fully warmed to both Noel and Sandi tonight, they were hilarious, especially with Noel breaking the cup and then hidden in the fridge! Also, plenty of innuendos all round tonight

Posted by: Andrew. 12th September 2017, 09:53 PM

Flo </3

Steven seems like the obvious winner at this point lmao but also loving Julia and the Liverpool one (apologies for me being cba to learn all their names x), screaming at the snail

Posted by: Jonjo 12th September 2017, 11:12 PM

First ever series I am watching and I'm loving it. I saw various bits and bobs in the past but nothing quite kept me hooked. Probs down to me finding Mel & Sue boring yet annoying tbh.

I really like Liam! I feel he's one to watch in the coming weeks. He managed to survive a pretty bad Bread week, but I feel he's gonna be the contestant who has a journey and continues to learn from his mistakes etc.. Something quite arrogant about Steven that I don't like. But maybe I'm being harsh.

Posted by: dandy* 13th September 2017, 05:07 AM

Steven reminds me of Will Young - so maybe soon to be axed just like the forum!

Gutted for Flo!

Posted by: kye 13th September 2017, 05:54 AM

You're not being harsh, he is arrogant. And the Will Young comparison is spot on.
he has the same false 'oh is this amazing?!' *touches face* 'I can't believe it' thing going on, when he knew all along it was good.
then he will absolutely melt when he has a bad week.. if he has one. Really dislike him.

Posted by: Suedehead2 13th September 2017, 08:06 AM

I was thinking the same about Steven. He speaks a lot like Will Young.

Flo always cam across as lovely but she was beginning to look like the sort of contestant who keeps just about scraping through.

I also really like Liam. He's got a good sense of humour and - yesterday's first challenge aside - has been consistently good so far.

Posted by: Mart!n 19th September 2017, 07:57 PM

Did someone say erection

And Noel stumbling over that bush

Posted by: cqmerqn 19th September 2017, 09:39 PM

Tom was the only attractive one there

Posted by: Cremey 19th September 2017, 09:55 PM

Uhhh STEVEN!

It was pretty obvious Tom would be leaving tonight after that showstopper.
Poor Liam not getting star baker as well, you could tell how sad he was about that :'(

Posted by: Liаm 19th September 2017, 10:02 PM

Tom His showstopper was pretty bad though and I saw it coming. I'm glad Kate got Star Baker, I can't fully take to Liam idk but both were great this week.

Steven is daddy but is it just me or is he usually kinda eh on the others and then shows off on the showstopper expecting to get Star Baker because he knows he excels there

Posted by: Jack 19th September 2017, 10:09 PM

Is it just me who thinks Stacey is the WORST?! She always makes little snide comments and her bakes are shit.

Posted by: THEO. 19th September 2017, 10:17 PM

Right! </3 Heartbroken tbh.

Liam fully deserved star baker, his personality is a bit off-putting but he by far outperformed Kate in the two other challenges - I dislike how the show weights whoever wins star baker on the showstopper

Posted by: Liаm 19th September 2017, 10:22 PM

She's like one of those snobby PTA mothers who'd bake a 5 tier cake to show off then have a strop because someone said Julie's fairy cakes were nice

Posted by: Suedehead2 19th September 2017, 11:13 PM

Sorry to see Tom go but his showstopper does seem to have been pretty poor. There was no obvious loser before the third challenge so it had to be him

It would have been nice to see Liam get star baker but anyone who wins high praise for an apple cake has to be a winner

Posted by: Jonjo 22nd September 2017, 12:04 AM

LIAM!!! SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR! Grr. Not getting how a couple of you find his personality "off putting" tbh . I think he's the nicest, most down to Earth one there I find that he's really easy to root for.

Kate did a great showstopper, but like Theo said, she just seems to have been "there" in not only the other tasks this week, but in past weeks. Hopefully it gives her a confidence boost though and we start tobsee more of her!

Edit: oh and I completely agree with Jack in regards to Stacey!

Posted by: Brett-Butler 26th September 2017, 07:01 PM

I spied what appears to be a Battenberg in the preview. Please be what I hope it to be...

Posted by: THEO. 26th September 2017, 11:01 PM

Can't believe no one has commented on Stacey's victory "yessss" after she turned over her steamed pudding. That woman is so unlikeable

Glad to see James go, I was worried for Julia momentarily but she definitely did well enough in the previous challenges to stay. Sophie was the deserved Star Baker, I want to like her a lot more than I do though but all of them are pretty unlikeable characters anyway so I was rooting for her.

Posted by: Liаm 26th September 2017, 11:19 PM

Yeah I feel the same, I can't really warm to many of them, but I am still liking the series. I feel it kind of makes it less tense and a "nicer" watch, not that it isn't always a nice watch but you know what I mean I think Kate is the only left where I would particularly care if she went. Stacey is definitely the worst though, my stuck up PTA mother analogy just gets firmer and firmer in my mind each week, she is SO unlikeable! Steven isn't far off, like I said before he's always so smarmy when he pulls off a showstopper and needs to realise he can't just make his showstopper look good and be shit on the other bits, this time he barely scraped the showstopper, only because it looked good I'm not keen on Liam or Yan either, Julia I suppose is ok.

Sophie is just there for me, totally bland, I kind of forgot she was there until this week when she really pulled it out, she 100% deserved star baker.

Posted by: Jack 27th September 2017, 01:47 PM

Stacey is diabolical, I cannot abide her. She always makes snide comments and it's all about her. The sooner she leaves, the better.

Other than her, I do like quite a few. I find Yan, Liam, Kate & Julia all rootable. Steven is okay just needs to be taken down a few pegs really and Sophie is just THERE. Complete non-entity.

Posted by: Hocus Pokus 3rd October 2017, 07:15 PM

Love the intro... The Life of Pi

Posted by: THEO. 3rd October 2017, 08:55 PM

Pretty gutted that Julia is out before Stacey, I was really growing to love her recently. Yan Liam was a deserving Star Baker this week and I think my final three would be Sophie, Liam and Kate but I think Steven will manage to coast his way there unfortunately.

Posted by: Suedehead2 3rd October 2017, 09:04 PM

I assume you mean Liam was a deserving star baker. Yan was lucky to survive.

I was sorry to see Julia go but I think it was inevitable really. She had a pretty poor week.

Now I just want to taste Liam's Sunday lunch pie!

Posted by: THEO. 3rd October 2017, 09:12 PM

Ha! Yes, that is who I meant! So basically scratch everything I said.

Posted by: 🎄cqmerqn🎄 3rd October 2017, 10:07 PM

Julia she was not the worst at all.

Posted by: Liаm 4th October 2017, 01:20 AM

Julia did f*** up all three challenges though She was last in the technical, they didn't get much taste from her signature pies and every part of her showstopper pie was wrong, really she flopped at pastry and it was pastry week. I did kind of think that Stacey might go after somehow managing to get baking parchment inside the bloody pie, I was howling because she is just getting more and more unlikable and it was so satisfying that she messed it up so badly I'd say that's worse than undercooked pastry personally, like under pressure and whatever it's understandable to maybe be a bit off with your timings but how can you manage to f*** up so bad that there is parchment INSIDE your pie? But Stacey's love theme pies for the signature were fine whereas Julia flopped all 3 so all round I an see why they made the decision tbf even if I desperately wanted Stacey to go.

I still can't take to Liam, he's lowkey annoying He's putting in mind of people in freshers week you'd meet once at pres who are a bit try hard and you'd make a note not to go near them again. Kate >>>>>>>>>>>

Posted by: Mikee1981 4th October 2017, 08:08 AM

I was soooo wanting Yan to get star baker last night, Liam is annoying me and I didnt think his three bakes was all that good more middling for me. He's been very up and down all series so will probably win

Posted by: dandyman* 🐝🐝 5th October 2017, 08:07 PM

I'm loving Yan, at the moment she's my favourite and seems so lovely and geeky!

Posted by: Suedehead2 5th October 2017, 08:15 PM

I must admit that I was rooting for her to be star baker as soon as she mentioned Alan Turing. Sadly, it didn't take long for it to be clear she was going to have to concentrate more on just staying in.

Posted by: Oliver 5th October 2017, 08:41 PM

She was one of the top ones this week though?

Posted by: dandyman* 🐝🐝 10th October 2017, 08:17 PM

I jinxed her! 😢

Posted by: Suedehead2 10th October 2017, 08:29 PM

Two very lucky contestants this week. Not what you'd expect at this stage of the competition.

Posted by: Poked Pumpkin🎃 11th October 2017, 09:42 PM

Hate Liam and Steven. GET EM OUT!!

Phew, was so nervous for Julia, my favourite, AGAIN this week!! She is the new Katy Weisel tbh.

I was surprised with Yan going - she shoulda been in the final.

Omg at that woman smiling at Stacey and saying 'I coul tell by your face you thought you were going ... it was close!'

Posted by: Suedehead2 11th October 2017, 09:59 PM

Yan performed poorly in all three challenges so it wasn't really s surprise that she went.

Here's hoping Liam wins.

Posted by: Poked Pumpkin🎃 11th October 2017, 10:02 PM

Hate Liam - so annoying, especially all those faces. Ao arrogant too.

Posted by: THEO. 12th October 2017, 09:47 AM

Agreed! I was very surprised that it was a 50/50 split for those competing for Star Baker and those avoiding being sent home! I do think it should have been Stacey based on the final task as that always seems to weight more heavily on who wins SB and she crashed and burned in the Showstopper. I think the top half from this week's episode will be the final three, Kate has had too many bad weeks to be a finalist I think.

Posted by: Hocus Pokus 17th October 2017, 07:16 PM

Kate has dropped a clanger

Posted by: cqmerqn 17th October 2017, 10:34 PM

NAH. Liam deserved to stay.

Posted by: Suedehead2 17th October 2017, 10:49 PM

I'm sorry to see Liam go After all, he didn't drop any clangers and didn't break an oven. Kate didn't seem to lose much by effectively telling the judges not to touch one of her clangers - presumably that one was Major Clanger.

Posted by: Jonjo 18th October 2017, 01:20 AM

Forget this show now tbh.

Kate f***ed up big time this week (and pretty sure she's had a poor showing these last couple of weeks - although she's been one of my faves) definitely only stayed coz she was a scouse I feel </3

Ugh at Stacey getting star baker. Ffs. Although it was good Steven didn't get it again.

Def team Sophie or (as much as she deserved to go this week) Kate from now. Liam </3

Posted by: Liаm 18th October 2017, 01:32 AM

Liam was pretty much the worst tonigt though? It was heavily weighted on te showstopper as usual and much of his "had no taste" as Paul said. It was tough between him and Kate really as she did well in the techncal, her signature was bad and her showstopper ok because of the Pecan bit Paul loved, whereas Liam was awful at the technical not great at the showstopper but his clanger was good. I don't think Liam's clanger equated to second in the technical like Kate though so I can see why he went. The social media reaction is SO OTT, I'm sorry but you have a bad week you're in danger. Kate is my fave but if she went this week I'd understand because her performance was about akin to Liam's. It's not like X Factor or Strictly, or example, where you can have a bad week and the public give you sympathy votes or vote more because their fave is in danger.

Definitely Sophie or Kate to win for me but that's been my preference for weeks. Sophie isn't the most exciting but she's a very consistent baker and likeable enough. Whereas Kate isn't always great but she's just lovely. I don't mind Stephen winning but he is a bt smug for my liking, plus it's obvious, him not getting it again is the only good thing about Stacey being star baker... Crying at her breaking the oven lmao, I guess it didn't facor into her actual baking so couldn't take away her star baker award lmao. I think Sophie would be a solid winner all things considered, she doesn't have the standout rootable personality of Candice or Nadiya but she's grown a lot as a baker and is consistent as I said.

(also petition to see Steven's self-proclaimed massive clanger xx)

Posted by: Jack 18th October 2017, 08:31 AM

Stacey is my worst Bake Off contestant of all time. Such a smarmy little c**t. All of her nasty low key comments and self involvement is horrible to watch, I'd be interested in someone making a compilation of how nasty she is.

Julia, Yan & Liam going back to back has left a sour taste in my mouth I only really like Kate left, as useless as she can be, she is so very likeable and the hate she is getting online is not nice to see . I hope she can somehow pull it around next week! I do love an underdog!

Posted by: Liаm 18th October 2017, 12:20 PM

I was gonna say about all the Kate hate that I agree and people need to just stop, it's only a bakng show? Like I said Liam had a bad week, so did Kate, it's not her fault that on balance the judges decided Liam's showstopper tipped him over to be the one o go. Being horrible about Kate because precious Liam went isn't going to bring him back, it's all filmed

However Stacey evokes the same reaction from me She's just so snide.

Posted by: Klumpkin 18th October 2017, 05:56 PM

Gosh all this Stacey hate is a bit OTT is it not?

Kate probably should've been the one to go as she's clearly been scraping through the last few weeks whereas Liam has had one dud week and has now gone Probably the first week so far I feel the judges made the wrong decision. I am a fan of Kate as a person though and she does have quite a few unintentional funny moments so I'm glad she's still around so I'm not joining that hate bandwagon.

Posted by: Cursed Wombat 18th October 2017, 07:59 PM

I think Bake Off has always been firm that any bad week can be the end regardless of previous record and Liam was clearly the worst in 2/3 challenges so it was right for me, and I think 5th is about right for him in all honesty, he was good but not as good as he was being made out to be in general (that may seem biased as I always found him rlly annoying but yeah)

Julia and Yan were my favourites so them going one after another was a bit gutting rlly not that invested in this final 4, Steven's good but I have seen more impressive scope, Sophie's just a bit dull, Kate's likeable but she rlly feels like she's been scraping through too many times and Stacey...ugh, let's just say I agree with the consensus, what I wouldn't give to tape her mouth shut for a whole episode x Tis a shame as I've enjoyed a lot else about the series, particularly the choices of theme and bakes to make.

Posted by: Noahspook 18th October 2017, 08:05 PM

Absolutely! I really don't get it. At worst I'd say she comes across as a bit of a busybody and overly desperate to win, but overall I think her competitiveness, assertiveness, and huge passion for what she does are traits to be admired. Like, it's kind of refreshing to see a contestant be so eager to please during judgings and have a little celebration to herself when her bakes turn out well, rather than the standard humble, unassuming British reality show embodiment of 'likeability'. I get that she isn't a beacon of natural charisma like Liam and Kate, but she always seems friendly and good-humoured and sociable, and everyone on the show seems to get on well with her...so I'm really struggling with this supposed 'nastiness'?! I'd actually say with Liam gone ( ) she's my favourite remaining (though she'll never win), as I also like her ambition every week and refusal to play things safe, always opting for OTT creations, even if she often falls short on the execution. Also love the way she's a sweaty mess on the verge of explosion every time the judges taste her bakes.

Fully agreed on the rest of your post too. Sending Liam home definitely felt wrong when Kate's been scraping by for weeks - I thought she was so lucky to stay over Yan last episode, and now this. Liam (the poster!) made some good points above re: the showstopper being weighted higher etc. thus arguably justifying her being saved, but when you're watching someone clearly out of their depth for weeks and appearing to give up at points, e.g. carelessly smushing her pizza into the oven and offloading her lattice onto her pie, before immediately declaring everything another "disaster", it's frustrating to see those efforts valued higher than someone with consistent skill and ingenuity and attention to detail. I guess the show's judging format isn't kind to a contestant who simply has an off-week, but Kate was also undeniably weak so it still seems like an undeserved elimination. She's lovely at least so I can just about get over it, but Liam's a huge loss both as a competitor and TV contestant.

Posted by: Klumpkin 18th October 2017, 08:15 PM

Stacey's clearly not a 'made for TV' type but she's definitely one of the most 'human' out of the bunch as well as someone who stands out from the crowd! Granted she's still not my favourite of the lot (Sophie! although it was Yan until last week ) but I just knew Buzzjack would not be a fan so I've avoided discussion in this thread most the time. Her comments clearly aren't out of spite or to put any other baker down it's just her enthusiasm is bubbling over and that's all too often criticised in British TV (think Kitty Brucknell or Katie Waissel from the X Factor).

It's not an outrageous decision that Liam has gone as he was pretty weak this week it's just Kate has got lucky a few times but it's the way the show works and at the end of the day it makes it much more exciting when you have no idea how each baker will take to the challenges set each week!

Posted by: THEO. 24th October 2017, 07:35 PM

Sophie's les misérables looked incredible!

Posted by: THEO. 24th October 2017, 08:17 PM

Could not be happier with that result! Sophie truly deserved the Star Baker for the final time, there were definitely a couple of weeks where she should have got it but missed out but I'm so happy that she managed to get it again. Really rooting for her to win or if not, Kate, although she has got through by the skin of her teeth in a couple of previous episodes and her showstopper tonight didn't look particularly impressive.

Posted by: Jack 25th October 2017, 09:18 AM

Thank god Stacey went

A very strange Top 3. Sophie, as lovely as she is, has nothing to her and is hard to root for. Stephen, I often find to be very smug but he has had the most 'wow' moments and Kate easily has the best personality left but bless her, she isn't up to scratch really

There definitely isn't a stand out like there was with Candice last year.

Posted by: kye 25th October 2017, 09:55 AM

Sophie to win! She's been my favourite for weeks. I don't usually like the nice ones but she just comes across as so lovely, I'm willing her to win. Steven is a smug arse & Kate's a bit hopeless. How shes made the final, I will never know!

Posted by: Liаm 25th October 2017, 11:56 AM

Yaaaaaass bye Stacey. I thought it would be a shock for Steven but they did say it was pretty much neck and neck and they'd have to go off of the rest of the series which is fair enough.Steven is the strongest but he is a bit smug, Sophie I'd have to say to win as she's strong but humble, she's lovely but not the most exciting. I love Kate but she has been very lucky not to go a few times now, I still would love her to win though as she's so likeable.

Posted by: Suedehead2 25th October 2017, 12:02 PM

Kate has survived several times because she has been not quite bad enough. That means she's bound to win

Posted by: Liаm 31st October 2017, 11:41 AM

Prue tweeted who won, she's since deleted it but someone screenshotted it and I saw on Twitter, raging D:

Posted by: cqmerqn 31st October 2017, 12:20 PM

Newspapers are saying it’s someone else!

Posted by: Liаm 31st October 2017, 12:23 PM

I'm still gonna watch, but it's a bit shitty if Prue was right (and I'd be inclined to trust the judge not a newspaper) and I know what's coming

Posted by: THEO. 31st October 2017, 10:05 PM

Omg yes! I am so glad that Sophie pulled through with that incredible entremet showstopper! She hasn't got the same big personality as Nadiya or Candice but she has been my overall favourite throughout the series and she really deserved it and looked humbled by it.

Posted by: Suedehead2 31st October 2017, 10:16 PM

As soon as they cut into Sophie's showstopper it was pretty clear that she would win. Kate and Steven both looked as if they were thinking "How the hell did she do that?".

Posted by: dandyman* 🐝🐝 31st October 2017, 10:38 PM

Delighted for Sophie! I wanted her to win and she did it - huzzah!

Posted by: Hocus Pokus 31st October 2017, 10:42 PM

I would say Kate narrowly missed out, but I wasn't bothered who would win between Sophie and Kate. Steven's showstopper was a disaster, you could see it, by the mess of his showstopper.

I quite enjoyed this series to be honest, the new hosts were pretty on point, they grew on me throughout the series.

Posted by: Cursed Wombat 1st November 2017, 12:20 AM

lmao poor Prue, this was all going just a bit too well for them wasn't it? x

Sophie wasn't a huge favourite, but definitely the correct winner in terms of best baker and her entremet looked stunning. Feel bad for Stephen as it was such a cool concept, perhaps he should just design bakes rather than make them?

Posted by: Mikee1981 1st November 2017, 09:31 AM

I enjoyed the series as a whole, liked Prue, Sandi and Noel when I didnt think I'd warm to them but did. Winner feels a bit meh..but thats probably because of the acts she's following in Nadiya and Candice who just seem to shine on TV.

Candice has just been revealed to be a contestant on Dancing On Ice

Posted by: Liаm 1st November 2017, 09:40 AM

Definitely he right winner even if I was spoiled by Prue Sophie was the best on the night for sure but also the most consistent across the series I think, she did well in pretty much every technical and never really had a bad week. I agree she doesn't have the same level of charm and natural screen presence as Candice and Nadiya but as a baker it definitely had to be her, plus sadly none of the finalists had that spark this time, although Kate was lovely.

Posted by: Buttered Muffin 1st November 2017, 09:33 PM

Sophie was my second fave after Kate - so glad Smugen didn't win!!

Wish Kate woulda won though as the dark horse!!

Posted by: Suedehead2 14th November 2017, 11:06 AM

One of the technical challenges in the French version this year was Jaffa cakes. It doesn't seem to have gone terribly well.

https://inews.co.uk/essentials/culture/television/french-bake-off-jaffa-cakes/

Posted by: lewistgreen 12th December 2017, 10:37 PM

Christmas Edition is airing Christmas Day and then a second episode New Year's Day featuring some returning bakers from over the years *.*

Posted by: Liаm 12th December 2017, 10:42 PM

Daddy Selasi being back *.*

Posted by: Liаm 25th December 2017, 10:59 PM

Sel-ass-i and Val slaying Christmas *.*

"how big is your stump" tho