Great British Bake Off is making a HUGE change ahead of the new series after facing heavy criticism from fans
The big British bake-off bosses have made a big change ahead of the new series following backlash from fans.
After numerous complaints from viewers who described the Channel 4 show as “tasteless” and accused it of using “racial stereotypes”, bosses have decided to scrap national weeks and go back to the heart of the issues.
In an interview with The Guardian ahead of season 13, executive producer Kieran Smith admitted the series had made mistakes and outlined the changes viewers can expect.
Reflecting on the episode, he said: “I object to the cooking complaint and the theme weeks.” We didn’t mean to offend anyone, but the world has changed and the joke fell flat. We are not doing national themes this year.
“We take a very traditional approach.” We do all the regular weeks: cakes, cookies, bread, patisserie, chocolate, plus party cake is a new theme. No spoilers, but it offers challenges that I think viewers will enjoy.”
Big change: The Great British Bake Off is scrapping the national theme week after backlash from a number of viewers who branded the Channel 4 show “cheesy”.
Disgusting: 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
After last year’s Mexican Week aired, the cooking series was accused by some viewers of cultural appropriation and racism.
In the episode, presenters Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding wore sombreros and sarapes – while cracking jokes and shaking maracas.
Noel said, “I don’t think we should do Mexican jokes because people would get upset,” to which Matt replied, “Not even Juan?”
Viewers flocked to the internet to express their anger and disappointment.
“This is downright embarrassing,” commented one. “This sucks,” said another.
While a third wrote: “Very racist and inappropriate”.
There was also backlash for previous programs – the 2020 “Japan Week” in 2020 and the “Deutsche Woche” in 2021.
In an interview with Eater, Paul and Prue were asked about the Mexican episode, with Paul admitting that he was “disappointed” for upsetting people and that he “loves” Mexico.
Not impressed: Viewers flocked to the internet to express their anger and disappointment, calling the jokes “simply disgraceful”, “highly racist and inappropriate”.
Sorry: In an interview, Paul and Prue were asked about the Mexico episode. Paul admitted he was “disappointed” for upsetting people and explained that he “loves” Mexico.
New look: Alison Hammond (pictured far right) will host the show alongside Noel Fielding this year, with the series’ executive producer saying she has given the show a “real boost”.
He said, “I literally came back from Mexico about three weeks before filming the episode.” I spent a month there with Mexican chefs, working with tacos and enjoying the food in Tijuana and Mexico City and Oaxaca and Cancun.
“I went everywhere and we set the challenges based on what I saw there. The challenges were very good and everyone did a good job. “I was devastated. I mean, I was really upset about it.’
Prue added: “We never get into controversy. “We try to be completely honest. It was quite unfortunate that some people were offended by that, but we certainly didn’t mean it that way. As Paul says, what’s special about Bake Off is that it represents inclusivity and diversity, as well as tolerance and togetherness.
“I don’t want to sound sentimental, but the fact is that the mood on Bake Off is thoroughly collaborative and encouraging. “So the idea that we wanted to offend anyone is ridiculous.”
Back-to-basics baking isn’t the only change for this year’s show.
Alison Hammond will replace Matt Lucas and co-host the show alongside Noel Fielding.
After recording its lowest ratings ever last year, Kieran said the revamped show was “warmer, friendlier and goofier” and praised Alison for “giving it some real oomph”.