Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Stacey’s scone in Bake Off rumpus
PAUL Hollywood caused controversy in the Bake Off semi-final last night by amending the judging criteria as a favourite risked the boot.
Fan are a volatile bunch with strong opinions so it was always going to cause a backlash.
Paul announced: “This has been the hardest decision that I have been involved with in eight years of the Bake Off.”
He then sent home Stacey Hart – Star Baker seven days ago. While she didn’t have a perfect weekend, it looked like she might sneak through when Steven Carter-bailey’s showstopper meringue started to collapse.
Paul admitted he and Prue were taking into consideration bakes throughout the series, which meant Steven’s super ones would be counted. Paul said: “Initially we have to have a look at this weekend closely and if that has still not drawn any obvious answers, it is so close, then yes you look back retrospectively on the whole series. It has only happened a couple of times.”
Some fans definitely felt this was unfair, as they have previously thought there was favouritism towards Steven.
On Twitter, Toby Gittens said: “I agree Steven should be in the final, but changing the rules to keep him in because he had a bad week isn’t right.”
Joanne Davies said simply: “If Steven wins, it’s a fix.” And Holly Smith said: “Feel Stacey was cheated out of that.” Stacey, 42, accepted the result, saying: “So close. Pleased I have gone out on a high, it was a really, really difficult decision for them. I can go back to being a good mum.”