The Great British SHAKE UP
As GBBO settles into its Channel 4 home with a new judge and new presenters, will the nation’s favourite baking competition still taste as good?
We’ll level with you: when the news broke that GBBO was upping sticks to Channel 4, and grand dame of baking Mary Berry and cheeky punsters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins were bowing out, we sobbed into our red velvet cake and vowed never to watch it again. Messing with our beloved Bake
Off was sacrilege and we didn’t want any part of it, thanks. But then we got a call asking us to come to the set of the new series and chat to new judge Prue Leith, maverick presenting duo Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding, and
GBBO stalwart Paul Hollywood and curiosity got the better of us, our resolve crumbling like a perfectly baked ginger snap in Biscuit Week. This is what we learnt on our fact-finding mission.
THE SHOW GOES ON
It’s basically the same programme, just with ad breaks. Apart from the obvious absence of Maz Bez, Mel and Perks, little else has changed. The 12 bakers still compete over ten episodes to impress judges Paul and Prue and win the coveted cake stand, and Noel and Sandi sprinkle their wit over proceedings. Also, thanks to Love Productions and the regular film crew remaining at the helm, plus the traditional theme tune and tent still in Welford Park, Berkshire, it has exactly the same look and feel. In fact, when we step onto the cosy country kitchen set, marvelling at how much larger it is than on screen, our hawk eyes
cannot detect so much as a single floral tea cup out of place.
“I’ve seen the first programme and you will not know the difference,” Paul confidently tells us. “The first thing I said was, ‘Bake Off is back!’”
JUDGEMENT DAY
While no one can ever really fill Mary’s floral bomber jacket, TV chef Prue certainly holds her own, with her 50 years of experience – and is more than a match for Paul. “I did ring Mary up and my first question was, ‘Is he workable with?’” says Prue with a smile. “She said, ‘Yes, actually. He knows his stuff’.” As always, both judges give their honest feedback during the standard signature, technical and showstopper bakes, and Prue reassures us they’re always kind in their critiquing – even if she will occasionally tell a baker “that’s just not worth the calories.”
Wait – could this mean a healthier, sugar-free (fun-free) show? “Oh no, there’s still lots of lovely chocolate,” she laughs.
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Despite an outcry at their appointment, QI presenter Sandi and comedian Noel have an easy rapport and are very amusing. During our brief stint watching filming, we’re pleased to say we observe not one but two classic
Bake Off puns – “If you don’t finish, we’ll have to take you into custard-y,” Sandi bellows at the contestants. “I’m not really a pun man, but you just find yourself coming out with them,” says Noel. And there’s no shortage of innuendo. “I had to hold Sandi up when Paul said to Prue, ‘It’s a pretty nice crack’,” says Noel. “I thought she was going to fall over!”
DOZEN BAKERS
As we watch the assorted bakers (see overleaf) busily sieve, whisk and roll out their pastry, we agree with Prue that they’re a great mix, and Paul reveals he’s been bowled over by the talent.
“The bakers this year are the best we’ve ever had by a mile,” he claims. “This year’s final standard was exceptional and for us, it was the hardest judging I have ever been involved in.”
So, GBBO 2.0’s got the same winning recipe, albeit with some quality, fresh ingredients, and a gripping final to look forward to? Maybe we’ll have to eat a big slice of humble pie and tune in after all.