Appetite still there for something sweet in our lives

Lucy Penman

Ihope you’re all very proud of me. I have waited until the eve of the final before pronouncing in any way on this year’s Great British Bake Off. As my regular reader knows, I have been a fan since the first series and keeping my gas at a peep has not been easy. I have maintained a dignified silence because I needed to digest all the behind-the-scenes controversy that has been thrown into the mix alongside this year’s show.

And I’m sorry to say that while I’ve tried to rise above it, it has left a nasty taste in my mouth – but not enough that it’s spoilt my appetite for the show.

The sad truth is that I need a lovely, happy show about baking to counterbalance all the depressing and quite frankly soul-destroying news around at the moment.

I know it’s shallow, but for a news junkie such as myself the non-stop tide of “My God, is this really happening in the world?” has made me crave something light and fluffy.

Step forward contestant Selasi, who sadly left last week and who was an example to us all that whatever’s going on (Burnt buns. Please feel free to insert your own pun here – it’s exhausting), there’s no need to worry.

He took laid-back to a new level and while some commentators might have exaggerated his influence (One headline was “Stop all the clocks – Selasi has left the Great British Bake Off”), he will be sorely missed in tomorrow’s final.

I’m hoping we’ll see more of him on our screens though…

The final will be all the more poignant as it will be the last featuring the crack team that has kept us glued to our screens for a midweek slice of baking and banter.

I can’t help thinking it’s the ultimate irony that a successful show about cakes has fallen victim to greed, but I’m hoping that something else will come along to provide that much-needed feelgood factor. In the meantime, I shall relish this year’s final. With a celebratory slice or two.

While I’ve tried to rise above it, it has left a nasty taste in my mouth