Great British Bake Off is making a HUGE change ahead of its new series after it was hit with fan backlash
The big British Bake Off bosses made a major change ahead of the new series, following fan backlash.
After a slew of complaints from viewers calling the Channel 4 show “sticky” and accusing it of using “racial stereotypes”, the bosses have decided to scrap the nationally themed weeks and go back to basics with the theming.
Speaking in an interview with The guard Ahead of the 13th series, executive producer Kieran Smith admitted that the show had acted wrong and explained the changes viewers can expect.
Reflecting on the episode, he said, “I hold my hands up for the cooking complaint and the themed weeks.” We didn’t want to offend anyone, but the world has changed and the joke didn’t catch on. This year we are not doing national themes.
“We are very traditional. We do all regular weeks: Cakes, Cookies, Bread, Patisserie, Chocolate, plus Party Cakes is a new theme. No spoilers, but it contains challenges that I think viewers will love.”
Big change: The Great British Bake Off is scrapping National Theme Week after receiving backlash from some viewers calling the Channel 4 show ‘tacky’
Unsavory: Last year during Mexican Week, hosts Noel Fielding (pictured left) and Matt Lucas (pictured right) wore sombreros and sarapes – while cracking jokes and shaking maracas
The cooking series was accused of cultural appropriation and racism by some viewers after Mexican Week aired last year.
In the episode, hosts Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding wore sombreros and sarapes, cracking jokes and shaking maracas.
Noel said, “I don’t feel we should be doing Mexican jokes because it will make people angry,” to which Matt replied, “Not even Juan?”
Viewers flocked to the internet to express their dismay and disappointment.
“This is downright embarrassing,” one commented. “This sucks,” said another.
While a third wrote ‘Very racist and inappropriate’.
Responses had also been received for previous shows – 202’s ‘Japan Week’ 2020 and 2021’s ‘German Week’.
In an interview with EaterPaul and Prue were asked about the Mexican episode, with Paul admitting he was “gutted” about upsetting people and that he “loves” Mexico.
Not impressed: Viewers flocked to the internet to express their dismay and disappointment, calling the jokes ‘positively embarrassing’, ‘deeply racist and inappropriate’
Apologies: In an interview, Paul and Prue were asked about the Mexican episode, with Paul admitting he was “gutted” for upsetting people and stating that he “loves” Mexico
New look: Alison Hammond (far right in picture) will co-host the show this year with Noel Fielding with the series’ executive producer stating that she has given the show “a real lift”
He said, “I literally came back from Mexico about three weeks before we filmed the episode. I spent a month there with Mexican chefs, working with tacos and enjoying the food in Tijuana and Mexico City, Oaxaca and Cancun.
“I was everywhere and we set the challenges based on what I had seen there. The challenges were really good and everyone did a good job. I was devastated. I mean, I was really angry about it.’
Prue added, “We never go out to be controversial. We try to be dead honest. It was quite unfortunate that quite a few people took offense, but we certainly didn’t mean that. As Paul says, the thing about Bake Off is that it absolutely represents inclusivity and diversity, tolerance and togetherness.
I don’t want to sound sentimental, but the fact is that the atmosphere of Bake Off is wholly cooperative and encouraging. So the idea that we want to offend someone is ridiculous.’
Baking back to basics isn’t the only change for this year’s show.
Alison Hammond will replace Matt Lucas and co-host the show with Noel Fielding.
After recording its lowest ratings ever last year, Kieran said the new show is “warmer, friendlier and crazier” and praised Alison for giving it “a real lift.”