Great British Bake Off fans had a communal eyebrow raised on Tuesday evening as the new series ignited on Channel 4.
Before viewers got acquainted with the fresh batch of bakers this year, the show unveiled a whimsical Barbie-themed opening which declared that the audience was travelling to “Bake Off Land”.
The iconic tent had undergone an eye-popping transformation to bright pink, while host Alison Hammond graced the screen bedecked in a blonde wig and attire befitting the vibrant theme.
Yet, a segment of the audience couldn’t fully get behind the parody, voicing their dissent on the revamped introduction. X, formerly known as Twitter, quickly became a hub for opinions, with one viewer exclaiming: “Pointless Barbie start.”
An additional comment served up some virtual vitriol: “Holy sh**! I wish I could un-see that Barbie-themed opening.” Other fans pondered the relevance of the Barbie angle: “I realise it’s because they missed it last year due to their filming schedule falling earlier in the summer, but what was the reason they thought a Barbie skit would be relevant and/or funny airing in September 2024, a full 14 months after its release date?”
Asking about the timing, another tweeted: “I know it’s filmed quite a time in advance but Barbie was surely a dated reference even when they filmed it? ? “. While another Bake Off enthusiast simply remarked: “Bizarre Barbie intro. Not really my cup of tea!”.
However, amidst the discord, there appeared patches of praise, with some viewers clearly delighted at the programme’s triumphant return. Enthusiasm bubbled from one fan: “OMG IT’S BARBIE THEMED!”> And there was joy in unexpected combinations, evidenced by another tweet: “Bake of and Barbie. The combination I didnt know I needed.”
During a quirky segment, Alison Hammond abandoned her familiar Brummie accent for an American drawl. She declared: “Ah another delicious day in Bake Off Land.”
When Noel Fielding joined her, the two humorously debated over who should be considered the main Barbie. Alison expressed her frustration: “We said, it’s the person with the best legs would be Barbie? “.
Noel, flaunting his own pins, insisted he was the rightful Barbie. To resolve the dispute, they agreed to bring in Paul Hollywood as Ken. Upon being asked who made the best Barbie, the celebrity baker dismissed them both, just as Prue Leith made an appearance as an unconventional Barbie. The season’s first challenge had the contestants whipping up a loaf cake to win over judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
The Great British Bake Off airs Tuesdays on Channel 4 at 8pm