Channel 4 fans 'reeling' as Great British Bake Off makes history with show first

Channel 4 viewers were left with mixed opinions after a Great British Bake Off 'first' occurred during tonight's episode. Tonight, the bakers tackled Chocolate Week and were tasked with making mousse cups, a white chocolate tart, and a fondue display. During the technical round, hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding told the bakers that things would be slightly different than usual. The whole point of the technical is that they’re meant to bake the same thing, but instead, the contestants were allowed to choose their own ingredients and follow their own recipe. Fans gave mixed reactions to this, with some people approving of the slight twist. One person said on X: "I like this technical actually. It adds another level #GBBO."

However, someone else watching at home drew a similarity with another cooking show and commented: "Very Masterchef! #GBBO #Bakeoff." Another echoed: "Immediately no with whatever this technical is. #GBBO."

One fan loved the idea and said: "Ooooo I like this technical. Bring the gingham pantry back in every episode #GBBO."

Another person complained: "I reaaaally don’t like that technical challenge twist if they’re baking something to be judged blind, they need to all be the same!! it doesn’t make any sense for them to all be different."

Someone watching at home also said: "I don’t like this technical, I can’t lie, it just feels like a signature which extra steps #GBBO," whilst another also chimed in: "Bake Off has gone all Masterchef. #GBBO."

For Iain, the technical challenge did not go to plan. With just a minute left on the clock, he tries to transfer his chocolate tart onto a dish, but disaster strikes, and Iain can be heard saying: "No, no, no!"

At the end of the episode, it was revealed that Star Baker was Aaron. However, the fifth baker who left the tent was Nadia. Many fans agreed that the judges made the right call.

One person said: "Yasssssss Aaron got Star Baker, he really deserved it. Amazing piano fondue #gbbo #greatbritishbakeoff." Another also remarked: "Did everybody else cheer when they announced Aaron as star baker?"

A third also commented: "So happy for Aaron!!! So deserved #GBBO." A fourth also said: "Wonderful chocolate week. I loved the fondue showstoppers. So pleased for Aaron winning baker. Nadia going home was fair imho. Well done everyone. Awesome!"