Overview
- The latest episode introduced the series’ first Audience Choice Week, in which viewers picked the signature, technical and showstopper tasks and contestants could invite relatives into the tent, and the format led to Shannon’s elimination and Clara being named Star Baker.
- Tuesday’s episode broke Bake Off tradition by giving each baker different technical tasks and asking for wearable showstoppers, changes that judges said tested creativity but made direct comparison harder.
- Social media reaction has been mixed, with many viewers calling the format ‘gimmicky’ and ‘chaotic’ because of extra people in the tent and dissimilar technical bakes while others praised the fresh twist.
- Commentators noted a firmer judging tone this series and a sharper on-screen dynamic between Nigella Lawson and Paul Hollywood since Lawson replaced Prue Leith earlier in the year.
- Producers are using these experiments and early critical attention as measures to try to lift flagging peak ratings, so the next episodes will be watched closely for audience numbers and whether the changes stay.