Drop the adverts, viewers tell C4
THE Great British Bake Off came with commercial breaks for the first time last night following its controversial move from the BBC to Channel 4.
And it seems some long-term fans were too infuriated by the introduction of adverts to keep watching until the point when Peter was eliminated from the tent.
Countless viewers used social media to complain about the commercial breaks, which totalled almost 17 minutes during the 75minute programme (it has been extended from the 60-minute running time it had on the BBC specifically to accommodate advertising).
Bake Off fan Carly wrote: ‘The worst thing about this new series of Bake Off is the advert breaks.’ And Rowanne Carberry said: ‘They can show sports without a break. Why not Great British Bake Off?’
Annelise Atkinson added: ‘ Well so far Bake Off seems really choppy and fast paced. Probably because they have to fit in all the ads.’ Another viewer, Josie, said she simply ‘couldn’t cope’ with the adverts.
Others who were watching suggested taking a more proactive approach to fighting against the unwelcome commercials.
Fay Franklin asked her fellow viewers: ‘Have we all turned off the ads in protest? Going for #anicecupoftea #atopupofwine.’ And Alan Vickers didn’t bother mincing his words, tweeting: ‘Get rid of the adverts #gbbo.’ While some of the adverts had a bakery theme, many viewers remained unimpressed. One Twitter user wrote: ‘You’re not fooling anyone Channel 4. You can have all the themed ads you like but we still resent you for commercialising.’
But not everyone was complaining about the development, with some even suggesting that the adverts provided a welcome break to grab a glass of wine and a cake or two.
Viewer Amy wrote: ‘I’m actually not minding the adverts as it’s giving me time to raid the cupboard for mini rolls.’
A Channel 4 spokesman said: ‘Channel 4 puts its profits back into programmes and advertising ensures that UK-produced shows like The Great British Bake Off stay free-to-air for viewers to enjoy.’