The Great Christmas Bake Off crowned its 2023 winner on Sunday, with Sophie Faldo triumphing for the second time.
But while Sophie may have been the star baker, Alison Hammond was the show's standout character, with viewers flocking to X, formerly Twitter, to share their love for her.
Alison took on the role of co-host with Noel Fielding this year after Matt Lucas left the show.
And viewers loved her antics in the Christmas special, writing: “Alison Hammond is one of the best things to happen to #Bakeoff in years.” “She's such a breath of fresh air”; “Alison shines much more here than in the main series #GBBO.”
“Alison Hammond is perfect for this show”; “I love Alison Hammond so much #GBBO”; “This is the most beautiful thing Alison Hammond has seen this year.” I can make this verdict with the complete confidence of someone who has seen her entire 2023 wardrobe. Because it can be seen on absolutely everything, on every channel, every day. #GBBO' “Alison's “Are you looking for? “There are some nice cameramen here” convinced me.”
Alison Hammond outshone the iconic Great British Bake Off contestants on Sunday as fans raved about the presenter on the cooking show's Christmas edition
While Sophie may have been the star baker, Alison Hammond was the standout character of the show. Viewers flocked to X, formerly Twitter, to share their love for her
During the Christmas special, Sophie – the series eight champion – came back for another shot at the title, beating Dan Beasley-Harling, Amelia Le Bruin, Linda Rayfield, George Aristidou and Carole Edwards to victory.
She wowed judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith with her festive baked goods after they were tasked with three challenges.
For the first round, the bakers had to bake 12 mince pies using their own special spin. Then the technician tasked them with baking a cinnamon bread.
At the final showstopper, they built a huge cake.
Speaking about her win, Sophie said: “Yay, I'm so happy.” What a lovely way to start Christmas. I'll take this [the decorative plate] home and enjoy some mince pies on top.'
Prue added: “Sophie was brave to come back as she had a lot to lose.” That was five years ago but she has obviously grown since then.
“She’s organized and thorough – when she does something, my God, she does it right.”
While everyone seemed happy for Sophie's win, there was undoubtedly no one feeling better about it than Prue, who had a chance at redemption after spoiling Sophie's first win.
While the winner of Bake Off is always a closely guarded secret, Prue accidentally revealed that Sophie had won the 2017 series just hours before the final broadcast in a disastrous tweet – inevitably causing devastation among the show's loyal fans.
Alison took on the role of co-host with Noel Fielding this year after Matt Lucas left the show
The Great Christmas Bake Off crowned its 2023 winner on Sunday, with Sophie Faldo triumphing for the second time
While everyone seemed happy for Sophie's win, there was undoubtedly no one feeling better about it than Prue, who had a chance at redemption after spoiling Sophie's first win
Even the official Great British Bake Off X account couldn't resist poking fun at Prue's faux pas
Sophie – the series eight champion – defeated (LR) Linda Rayfield, Dan Beasley-Harling, Amelia Le Bruin, George Aristidou and Carole Edwards to win
Sophie was the first to win Bake Off in her new home on Channel 4, but her big moment was overshadowed by the unfortunate gaffe.
Prue, who was in Bhutan at the time, blamed the time difference on her social media gaffe, tweeting: “No one told me judging a Bake Off final would be this emotional.” I wanted to that they all win. Bravo Sophie.'
The tweet was quickly deleted and Prue apologized, writing: “I'm in Bhutan.” The time difference is huge. I thought they got it six hours ago. I'm in too much of a state to talk about it. I suck.'
Prue's gaffe sent Bake Off fans into a frenzy, with many reacting by sharing hilarious memes inspired by the judge's astronomically ill-advised tweet.
Many of the gags featured Mary Berry, who was Paul Hollywood's fellow judge on the popular BBC show.
When she stepped down following the announcement that the show would be moving to a new home on Channel 4, Prue was chosen as her replacement – and fans were quick to joke that Mary might derive some satisfaction from the slip-up.
The Great British Bake Off returns with a New Year's special on January 1, with returning stars Maxy Maligisa, Jürgen Krauss, Maggie Richardson and Mark Lutton returning to the tent.
For the first round, the bakers had to bake 12 mince pies using their own special spin. Then the technician tasked them with baking a cinnamon bread
Sophie wowed judges Paul Hollywood and Prue, as well as presenters Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, with her festive baked goods after they were tasked with three challenges