Great British Bake-Off (AKA Great British Baking Show) Is Back! PART 2

Shame the American version was pulled due to a rapey contestant.

Here’s Prue’s Tory MP (and BFF of Dominic Cummings, coincidentally enough) son forgetting to wear a mask after typing in all caps that everyone MUST WEAR A MASK!

And then he expressed how terribly aggrieved he was that someone would take a photo rather than getting within droplet distance of his COVID holes and asking nicely if he’d put a mask on.

I never understood the hype around this show.

Link to the first thread:

[quote]Shame the American version was pulled due to a rapey contestant.

I thought it was one of the judges.

The show almost came to a screeching halt in 2017 when allegations of sexual misconduct were made known. Judge Johnny Iuzzini came under fire after several women came forward saying that they were subjected to sexual harassment while working under Iuzzini several years earlier. "He would stand behind you really closely and breathe on your neck," a pastry chef who worked with Iuzzini told Mic. "I think he did things to make people uncomfortable, and to see what he could get away with." One of the chefs said he stuck his tongue in her ear, and others claimed he often simulated sex acts with them from behind.

Iuzzini denied the allegations, although he apologized if he had inadvertently harmed anyone. "I am shattered and heartbroken at the thought that any of my actions left members of my team feeling hurt or degraded," he said in a statement. "More importantly, I am deeply sorry to those who felt hurt."

Whether or not Iuzzini was guilty, the damage was done. The Great American Baking Show was part way through its third season when the allegations came to light, and the decision was made to fire Iuzzini and not air the remaining episodes of the show.

[quote]I think he did things to make people uncomfortable...

Like forcing himself on those of us with eyes.

All my favorite have been out the last few weeks. I loved Mark. Not sure who I can support now. Sometimes I like Lottie, other times I think she’s fake just doing a quirky persona for the camera. Dave is for sure a sociopath.

Dave makes me uncomfortable, I like Lottie, Hermine and the other Mark.

I've been so consumed with the election I forgot there was a new episode! This will be a nice comfort after a stressful week.

Glad that Dave was able to redeem himself in the showstopper challenge. I think it will be Peter or Hermine who win.

I can't help it, I have such a crush on Dave. Maybe it's because he reminds me of my first boyfriend: tall, dark hair and eyes, kind of dorky, good cook, BIG ASS.

R9 "The other Mark" is actually a Marc.

I wish there were a way to find out what all of those references and inside jokes that the hosts are making are all about. And has anyone (beside the Brits) ever heard of a finger donut? I'm pretty knowledgeable about food and I've never heard of them.

At first I thought finger donut was another term for cruller but those seemed more like buns than donuts.

Funny that Noel's list of great things about the 1980s was all people associated with NYC and not the UK. And that was a good era for British comedy. I wonder who he would cite as comedic influences.

Making them work with ice cream in that tent is just cruel. At least we didn't get another Bincident.

I will miss Lottie's dry humor.

I think Hermine and Peter are a lock for the final so the only suspense left is who takes the third slot. My money's on Marc. Sorry Dave, but Dataloungers will console you by fingering your donut.

That fat, yet cheery and really lovely, girl makes too many mistakes to make to the finale. Dave and Marc are a toss up, but Dave’s got a better personality (gay straight guy), so I’d rather see him in the final three.

You don't think Dave's personality is somewhat undermined by all his serial killing?

Not if it doesn't affect his bakes, R16.

I’ve loved Noel since Mighty Boosh days but he needs to bleach his choppers. Yellow teeth are yuck.

When can you know what the theme is for the week?

At the end of the episode there is usually a teaser for the next one. Next week is Dessert Week and it looks like they have to make some gelatin monstrosity.

Just watched the first 2018 Christmas special and Noel is wearing an amazing pimp coat.

The second episode has Steven and Tamal. *swoon*

Did no one else catch Noel's reference to Grindr?

Steven's New Year's Eve showstopper was a Dialing The Phone With a Pencil Cake!

Yes, r22, I had a laugh when Noel outed ET with the Grindr reference. I also noted Peter and Dave’s legs in their summer shorts.

Episode eight.

Wow. On to the semi-finals.

That fat blonde whore drives me crazy.

I think Noel has a bi side, and I think it's into Peter

Noel gave good fuck me eyes to Lottie. I will miss it.

That elimination was a shocker and I demand a recount.

Hermine really was the MVP though, for her bakes and her general attitude especially during the technical.

And really, Pru? Your favorite dessert is a steamed whole lemon? Explains a lot.

Is Prue a wingnut like her son?

I suppose they'll be pulling out the old fondant fancies soon.

I hope someone leaks Dave’s cock shots.

Yes, Prue is a complete wingnut.

And another Christmas theme from Peter

Backstory wise it would make sense that Marc wins. One-legged, social worker and single dad taking care of his two daughters and the world during this pandemic (well, except for competing on the show). And he's from CORNWALL, which seems mighty important for some reason since it's usually mentioned at least once in each episode.

Gimps never win.

Who cares about Cornwall? I’m from WALES! Here I am with a traditional WELSH bara brith mushroom!

There are WELSH secrets lurking beneath that classic WELSH fondant — WELSH Red Dragon cheddar and WELSH laverbread!

Because I’m WELSH, and that’s how we do it in WALES!

[quote]Sorry Dave, but Dataloungers will console you by fingering your donut.

Depends on the filling.

I think they want Hermine to win. (She's my favorite, too.)

Now, watch her get the boot next week.

Really, this is their weakest final four they've ever had. In any other season, none of them would have made it this far.

It had better not be that dreary fat girl for the win.

Using rose water would be the kiss of death, but someone will try it. The challenge should be to make a cake in the shape of your genitals.

The two cute guys made it through to the semi final and that’s what matters to DataLounge.

Either Dave or the charming fat blonde woman will be eliminated next. I hope it’s the fattie.

Ridiculous to eliminate Marc. He’s heads & shoulders about Laura

Above

Fat Fraus love fat fraus on the telly r43

Remember, it’s a TV series and ratings are the one true god

Laura did better than him though. His was definitely the worst showstopper.

Fat lady makes me cry, she is so scary and fat.

David looks like a sociopath.

"looks like"

Bless your confused, illiterate heart r47

Dave looks like he could throw a mean fuck

Peter is 100% bottom

So is there a reason the Extra Slice for episode 7 (last week's) hasn't shown up in the usual place that's linked here? Is it available somewhere else (for us US viewers)?

clump posts when they post.

Extra Slice was a day early this week.

HDClump has Episodes 7 and 8 of the actual series, but Extra Slice stops after Episode 6.

clump posts when they post.

Are all these bizarre concoctions (like the jellies and highly ornamented cakes) common in Britain? Or is it just for the show?

The jelly's are pretty gross looking. Does the jelly have a taste? (Has anyone had anything like this?)

They're not at all common. It's high end patisserie stuff, probably more common in France than the UK.

Paul even said that Hermine's showstopper was like something he'd expect to see in the window of Fauchon in Paris.

I’m still so shocked at all the American slang & sayings all of these British people are using. It’s constant. I’m watching an older GBBO series and a contestant who is a bartender was shown handing a customer a drink saying, “There you go, buddy.”

Wtf?

" Buddy" is probably of British origin:

1850, American English, possibly an alteration of brother, or from British colloquial butty "companion" (1802), itself perhaps a variant of booty in booty fellow "confederate who shares plunder" (1520s). But butty, meaning "work-mate," also was a localized dialect word in England and Wales, attested since 18c., and long associated with coal miners. Short form bud is attested from 1851. Reduplicated form buddy-buddy (adj.) attested by 1952, American English.

SO glad Peter survived. Want Laura to go next week. They had definitely had a hard-on for Hermine the entire time. Her poppy jelly was pretty fantastic though.

Imagine how red Pete's cheeks must get when he orgasms.

Which cheeks r62?

[quote] " Buddy" is probably of British origin

“Buddy” is a well known American colloquialism. And most words used by americans are from the English language. That doesn’t mean all English worlds are American colloquialisms. .

And “there you go Buddy” is as American as you can get.

“There you are mate” would be more like what a British person would have said up until recently.

And hearing British people say “you guys”....grates on the ears. And don’t give me bs about how “guy” is a British word. “You guys” is a well known Americanism.

“Mate” is a well known word for “friend” but is not an Americanism. Get it? Not all English words are American colloquialisms. Not all English colloquialisms are used in America.

[quote]Paul even said that Hermine's showstopper was like something he'd expect to see in the window of Fauchon in Paris.

Paul must not get out much. Gelatin (or more authentically, agar) with injected flower designs started as an ornate version of mizu shingen mochi.

It really took off when “satisfying” videos became popular, which is a good thing since it’s a lot nicer to look at than it is to eat.

R64, Mary! Take a pill.

Of course they kept the cute twink instead of the old guy. Peter's 3 bakes were all weak but oh, those eyes . . .

R64 Do shut up. Or fuck off. Ideally both.

R64 Good onya,dude.

Hermine is smart. She really knows how to bake, she follows the instructions to a T, and if she's not sure of a recipe she doesn't try to fancy it up, but makes a classic version. Even those with her own inventive touch tend to be sensible variations. That Japanese poppy cake was nothing I would want to eat, but it hewed to the rules perfectly and was stunning.

I loved Lottie's sense of humor (and her eye makeup!) but she always would try things beyond her skill level and it doomed her.

Dear god, you're tiresome r64.

I would like to console Dave when he loses,

An Extra Slice, week 8

r73 Thanks! I guess we're never going to get Episode 7.

I think Lottie cast a witch's spell of it.

[quote] shut up. Or fuck off. Ideally both

You first

" What did they put in there before a lemon - syphilis?"

Does Peter get penetrated by Mr. Spoon next week?

We can only hope.

Sure, why should next week be any different?

Either Mr. Spoon or Dave.

So who will make the finale besides Hermine?

Are they seriously pulling out those fucking fondant fancies again?

[post redacted because linking to dailymail.co.uk clearly indicates that the poster is either a troll or an idiot (probably both, honestly.) Our advice is that you just ignore this poster but whatever you do, don't click on any link to this putrid rag.]

Would Hermine be considered an underdog? I thought she did very well so far with her exotic take on her baked goods.

You can see cracks in both Dave and Peter and they seem to slip to the bottom of the challenges.

[quote]You can see cracks in both Dave and Peter

Pics please.

The eventual Bake-Off winners often have late-series wobbles. However, you could argue that it would be less likely this series, as the schedule is so much shorter and bakers don't have as much time and opportunity to recover and take stock.

If our jokes weren't fairly obvious I would think the Extra Slice writers are trolling Datalounge for ideas.

Every time there is a young, attractive female contestant, rumors go around that Paul is showing favoritism. Considering that Lottie got knocked out halfway through, the favoritism couldn't have been that acute. I think if there is favoritism being shown to a contestant, it's Peter.

Everyone... hosts, judges, other contestants....wants to bang Peter

I do.... and I can't bake.

What a delightful show.

There is no way that Laura belongs in the final three. She has been a fun contestant but has had too many near disasters.

Near disasters? I would say actual disasters!

She’s a hot mess for sure.

That jelly thing was terrible, yet they still liked the flavors.

She is always messing up somehow yet she pulls it off in the end. I guess editing is building a story for her.

It's also possible that her bakes taste good but just look a mess. The people eliminated this year seem to be the ones who gross out the judges with terrible tasting food.

I thought her jelly koi pond was cool. Not as attractive as Hermine's, but better looking than Peter's.

nothing looks better than peters.

Peter's peter. Yum

[quote]Everyone... hosts, judges, other contestants....wants to bang Peter

Not me. I find Peter horribly unattractive. I'd choose Dave and Paul Hollywood over Peter. Or even Mark. And I would've taken Mak over all of them.

Peter comes across as a virgin schoolboy. Not my cup of tea.

Many, many porn films suggest that a lot of folks don't share your tastes, R100.

Peter has the rosiest cheeks I've ever seen. Does he accomplish that with make-up or does he have some fetish where he gets off on people pinching his cheeks?

Which cheeks r102?

Peter definitely has a nice ass. I guess all of that badminton is doing him good.

I can't make out what the tattoo is on Dave's left outer calf.

Ladies pinch, whores use rouge.

Strange podcast, especially at 10:09 where the host says that Peter seems the type that even he could convince to go to bed with him.

Laura should be long gone but they keep her because she’s fat & jolly.

Answering some common questions.

Peter must win or there is no justice in the universe.

If you like the Great British Bake-Off Show, then I highly suggest you check out The Big Flower Fight on Netflix. It's a stunning competition show for florists and artists. I'm obsessed with it.

Hermine should be a heavy favorite next week, as the theme of patisserie is her strength.

Unless Hermine makes a colossal fuck-up, she is the winner.

In other news, I totally had a sexy dream about Dave last night.

Bake-Off contestants have a long tradition of coming a cropper in their favourite area.

Details, R112!

I was a bit surprised that Marc's daughters were with him in the isolation. But then I wondered who was there for the other contestants:

The Great British Bake Off contestants and judges don’t have to follow social distancing rules because they all had to self-isolate for two weeks before filming began.

Some bakers were allowed to bring their partners and children with them, while judge Prue Leith also brought her dogs.

Those taking part also had to isolate for nine days and take three COVID tests before entering the hotel, while producers worked out ways to transport people to the hotel “so people wouldn’t need to use any public toilets.”

Everyone involved then stayed at the hotel for the whole six-week period with a schedule of “two days on, two days off”, so they formed one, huge social bubble.

To keep everyone entertained, football matches and cinema and bingo nights were held in for the cast and crew.

For the critics of Sussex pound pudding., including the picture caption: Peter ponders his pond puds:

[quote]Some bakers were allowed to bring their partners and children with them, while judge Prue Leith also brought her dogs.

Marc said (on Extra Slice) that there were four or five dogs there, including his own (Hamish, after whom he modeled his cake during Japanese week.)

Hermine had a Q&A on her Instagram and she said that she and Mark were the only single parents, so it was just her son and his daughters there.

Who did Peter bring with him? One assumes his brother is happy to have the house to himself.

Peter is like the trembling heart of a captive bird...

Peter won't want anyone round to cramp his style.

Peter needs those long edge sessions.

[quote]Bake-Off contestants have a long tradition of coming a cropper in their favourite area.

Such a shame when someone stumbles at a critical moment.

Watching one of the earlier seasons of this snow and Rahual is painful to watch. I’m afraid he’s going to commit suicide if he doesn’t get a “well done.”

He also reminds me of a dark skinned Michael J Pollard

Rahul and Ruby were both British Debbie Downers.

Is it just me or is Kim-Joy from season 7 strange looking with her highly roughed cheeks?

Rahul was fun to watch. He was always so dramatic, and yet he usually had the best bakes by far.

Which favorites to win were upset in the finale? Which win was the most shocking to you? I thought there was no way John Whaite would win.

Yeah I wanna bang Noel. Eating disorder and all.

What kind of eating disorder does Noel have?

Sorry if it's from the first thread, I missed a lot of that one.

Noel-banger, beware. After seeing the video of Amy Winehouse — at her filthiest and most strung-out — wipe her face after Noel kissed her on the cheek, I've always wondered why. Breath? Drool?

Please report back.

Rahul is one of the few contestants I found hard to take. His everpresent anxiety just wasn't fun to watch. At least Ruby had some lighter moments.

[quote]Which favorites to win were upset in the finale? Which win was the most shocking to you?

I was surprised Frances won, since I thought the judges had it in for her. I was surprised Richard and Steven didn't win their seasons. But it's always a close finish so not really shocking.

Frances was a surprise and I agree with Richard. In Frances's season, who would have been the favorite, Kimberley or Ruby?

Noel’s giant head disturbs me.

Noel's existence disturbs me. Unlike others here, I find him extremely annoying and not a bit funny. Every shot of him is cringe worthy and his stupid antics take time away from the bakers. He laughs at everything he says and does and he strikes me as an extremely insecure twit.

Apparently he's famous for some reason.

I'm about to give up on the show because of him.

As an aside, I think they are now casting the show for characters rather than the quality of bakers. Since the changeover it continues to go farther downhill every succeeding season.

It’s a TELEVISION series r135

The producers have always cast for characters. If they didn’t, there would be 11 old frumpy women and 1 old queen, churning out endless perfect Victoria’s sponges.

I don't think Noel is funny, but he seems to get along with the bakers alright. I am used to him by now.

The worst season of the show for me was the one with Frances and Ruby. Ruby would put out some ugly mess with the camera constantly fixed on her sullen face and Paul and Mary would ooh and ah over her - it made me sick! Frances could do whimsy, but they kept saying her flavors weren't great. I also wasn't a fan of the last season bunch of children who were stumped by choux pastry. This season is an improvement if you ask me.

[quote]Is it just me or is Kim-Joy from season 7 strange looking

It's mean of me but my private nickname for her is Mokey, as in Mokey Fraggle. There's something Muppet-like about her.

R136

I'm aware of that, but if it was so - and you're most likely right - selecting a varied group and types of people in the early seasons still feels different than selection of "characters" in the later seasons.

It may be semantics; I'm just saying it feels and appears different. There was a definite change in the show when the move from the BBC happened.

R137

I'm waiting for one of the bakers to tell him to fuck off. Lottie came REALLY close one time, and I was surprised they showed the exchange. Actually, it doesn't matter because I don't think they'd ever show such an exchange, but watching the bakers one can see annoyance. I mean, what are they supposed to do? Pick a fight with a host? Meanwhile they lose precious baking time while he shows off his wit and antics. I can't imagine that the bakers don't find that annoying.

I'll step away from the TV now.

Noel slagged off Lottie in one of the post-bake tête-à-têtes where they discuss everyone’s bake. They said something about Lottie having it together (or something like that) & Noel said, “But does she? She’s all...” and he made a face and moved his head & heads around like someone who was anxiously confused & nutty. It was pretty ugly.

They are way too easy on Liam in season 5. His early stuff was awful, then Paul have him a handshake for some mediocre thing he baked.

I don't blame Lottie for wanting Noel to buzz off. He was sliming up on her during every episode--he clearly wanted in her skinny jeans. With a wife and kid at home--ass.

Stacy has also been on season 5 well past the time when she should’ve been sent home,

he wanted to wear her skinny jeans

Ugh. Pipettes.

You're going to love the positioning of Dave's technical.

Some, hopefully, non-spoiling observations. Laura (regarding her baking skills) was described as ‘diamond in the rough’. She exudes warmth and character and could be instagram cute if she shape shifted a tad but I would watch any show she is in right now. Wardrobe direction: 3 Hawaiian, 3 plain? Plus, excitingly, Noel launches a successful ‘surprise’ rear embrace of Peter. Huzzah!

I don't get the dislike for Laura. I mean, she's fat, so I get that part of it (this is DL, after all), but her baking is good enough for now--middle/end of the season--and sometimes excellent. I think she deserves to be there. She's perfectly fine and has a pretty good temperament.

The viewer can only judge the baked goods based on their visual appeal. The viewer has to trust the judges how the cakes and pastries taste. And Laura's entries always look a bit rough which the judges also point out.

I don't dislike Laura at all and think she is good television for this show. I just don't think she has been expert enough to make it to the finale.

Laura was terrible in the first few episodes & was allowed to stay while others whose bakes were better got bounced. She’s had some absolute disasters.

Ugh. Not happy about the final 3.

I'd say worst season ever but I couldn't finish the one with Rahul because I couldn't stand him. So unctuous.

Lottie was better than Laura. She pulled off bakes when Laura had melted/deflated/badly cooked stuff. But Laura is more like able & entertaining than scowly Lottie (Noel called her Catface. He really didn’t seem to like her).

hermine is gone

She was the token diversity contestant!

What was the stuff Dave was spraying onto his horn?

Cum, yes it was cum.

Pt 9, the semi-finals.

The final is set.

So is it Peter to most likely win? Watch Laura win lol. Worst winner ever.

They want to make Laura into a star. She’s obese but has a pretty face, she’s friendly, non threatening, good at bantering, kept up with Matt Lucas, is a big fan of musical theater. She’ll do well after the show ends.

I don’t know how these contestants can stand having Lucas & Fielding hanging around so much, making unfunny jokes that they *have to* laugh at while they’re so busy & under such pressure. They are far more intrusive than Mel & Sue were, though Lucas isn’t as persistently present as Fielding is.

Do British people EVER eat chocolate or chocolate pastry that doesn’t have orange or raspberry in it? I hate fruit or jelly in cake. It’s too competitive with the non-jelly & non-fruit elements and doesn’t belong.

They also appear to be obsessed with marzipan. I also remember one season when practically every bake seemed to have apricot jam in it.

Remember the American pie challenge they had one season, and all the contestants went on about American desserts being so sweet? Bitches, I just saw you make four-layer gateaus stuffed with chocolate, whipped cream, preserves, and more chocolate work on top. STFU.

R162 Yes. Obviously.

Noel talks about how he doesn't eat and his big head makes him look fat so he has to stay skinny skinny to even look halfway thin. He's looking at 50 soon and he has to fight his metabolism

Whoever competes in the final and wants to win needs to avoid rosewater.

Every time I see a Brit cook I lose my appetite. The food seems somehow wan and skimpy, like they're still rationing post-WW2.

Peter and Andrew Smyth would make the cutest couple.

[quote]Peter and Andrew Smyth would make the cutest couple.

All they could do was bump pussies and giggle. Or get a bbc to fuck them both.

Podcast from former contestants about the semis.

"All they could do was bump pussies and giggle. Or get a bbc to fuck them both."

I could envision Peter pounding Andrew rather vigorously.

Jane talks a little bit too much about herself in the podcast.

Well that was unexpected. And no, Prue, this is not the strongest final four ever. Get real.

I tried to get a screencap for the poster asking about Dave's tattoo but it's kinda blurry. I can't tell what it is.

It seems to be a tattoo of a sea tortoise.

What would happen if someone made a chocolate cake or chocolate glaze that didn’t have rozbree or ornj in it? Would they know what it was?

They’re running out of things to bake. None of them knew what a babka was & pronounced it bab-ka with ‘a’ in the first syllable sounding like “Babs”

They should bake a Schnitzer’s marble rye bread next & a black and white cookie.

The flower-flavored foods rarely work. If I were a contestant, I would avoid rosewater and lavender like the plague.

Are rosewater, lavender, and elderflower used much in American baking? I can't think of one time that I have had these in anything I have eaten.

Nope, they're not common at all.

If you want to suck up to Paul, banana or peanut butter flavored items are the way to go. He's said repeatedly how much he likes those.

Avoid flowers and anise, as the judges frequently criticize contestants for overdoing those flavors and ending up with dishes that taste like soap or toothpaste.

One show I watched recently had someone making a cake with jasmine. They said “The jasmine really comes through.”

What does jasmine taste like? I’m not a jasmine tea drinker. (I’ve never tried matcha or kombucha & never will). Is it sweet?

A better shot of his Mitch McConnell tattoo

Critic decries the demise of the show.

Dave’s got a hot meaty ass

They’ve ruined any post-bake-off career Laura might have had by unfairly keeping her on the show. Hermine was head & shoulders a better baker, but Laura is more personable & I believe producers think people identify with her because of her weight problem — which, btw, Laura has spoken about several times as a sympathy grab (claiming she didn’t like to look at herself & feeling people would hold her weight against her). I think the showrunners positioned her as an “against the odds, rise from the ashes” story.

But audiences aren’t buying it. I mean here’s a Laura bake

Here’s Hermine’s cake in the same challenge as Laura’s cake in the above post

This makes no sense. Hermine is charismatic and witty.

Laura is like the nice barista you always chat with but then never notice that she is no longer working there.

They both stayed that week, R185. When Hermine changed her show-stopper at the last minute and had no measurements, it was doomed. She was "winging" it when she didn't have the recipes practiced a dozen times, her gelatin was a disaster and turned those cakes to rubber.

It's not cumulative. What they did the weeks before is done. They're judged on the day.

Laura is getting bullied on social media. I don’t understand why people get so aggressive over any show, let alone GBBO where everything is so much gentler and kinder than the usual reality tv slop. 2020 has really brought out the worst of humanity.

Snort....Laura isn't having any major post show career, even if she were to win. NONE of these people are good enough/charismatic enough to forge food /media careers after this season.

Prue is an idiot; she's a corporate food person, not a real cook.

Noel just needs to go (and get his teeth whitened) nd Matt is a funny sketch actor but wasted here.

Paul is just phoning it in now.

They should have taken this year off.

And, of course the irony with this show and its huge success is the fact the British have one of the dreariest cuisines in the world. They're TERRIBLE cooks and their major contribution to the world is "roast beef" and Yorkshire Pudding.

Oh...and, the Gin & Tonic.

And, their desserts are dire (and frequently VERY sweet) so it's a bit much when they snark on American desserts. Their obsessions with fondant and bath soap flavored desserts are truly horrifying

Oh...don't get me started on their shitty pies.

I love roast beef. I love Yorkshire Pudding.

Oh, and I certainly love G&T.

R191

They're all delicious but...that's all they got.

The British suck at food.

Also: you type fat.

And, drunk.

You type fat AND drunk.

I prefer typing fat and drunk to typing stupid.

R186 Except you'd notice the store is a lot cleaner. I'm genuinely confused as to how she makes so much mess.

I think she lucked out in the judges seemed to think the mirror glaze melted in the heat, rather than her fucking it up, so they gave her a pass on how it looked.

[quote]Laura is getting bullied on social media.

On top of the other reasons that is stupid, she's not responsible for the judges' decision. People are so weird.

I think Hermine is a better baker overall and I wish the judges had let her squeak through. But it seems clear she was the worst on the day. Ah well, at least she won't be Dave's next victim. Peter, you in danger gurl!

Hermine comes to Laura's defense.

It is a fucking tee-vee competition for a glass cake stand.

Yeah, it sounds like Hermine should have been allowed to stay, but there is no point in bullying Laura. The decisions were made by the judges, and the stakes are ridiculously low.

Those who feel bad for Hermine should just send her a nice glass cake stand and call it a day.

They also win some money, I don't know how much. It's never discussed.

It's so weird the cash prize isn't discussed. In an American competition show, the cash prize is always announced at the beginning of each episode and sometimes multiple times during the episode.

[quote] Laura is getting bullied on social media

Nobody is “bullying Laura.”. Viewers are pointing out that Hernine is a better baker than Laura & that Laura’s bakes are a mess. Several other bakers were kicked off & Laura was kept on even though she had worse bakes during the episodes when others were eliminated. The show runners have favored Laura and people are calling them - not Laura - out for showing favoritism.

Populations aren’t rising up, threatening to harm Laura or behead the showrunners & carry out a reign of terror. They’re just saying it is their opinion that Laura has been unfairly favored for reasons other than her baking talent. What those reasons are, nobody knows.

Are any of you suggesting there's a cash prize going to provide any proof of your claims?

No, R202, because apparently I was wrong. I just did a search, thinking I could easily give you a link but I can't. A quick perusal of google results says - no cash prize.

Sorry!

BBC never does cash prizes. That is why The Vivienne on Drag race UK won a 'tv special', that played on WOW.

SOCIALISM!

Maybe glass cake stands are not readily available in the U.K.

It's no longer a BBC show, R204, but there still isn't a cash prize.

I think contestants get paid for interviews with newspapers & on morning tv shows. Some may get a short term cooking column in a newspaper, magazine or online for as long as anyone cares to read them. Maybe some will be paid to judge cooking at local fairs.

Do they get free food & lodging during the weeks they stay in the tent?

Can’t they get mini split AC in the tent for the hot days?

Quite a few of the bakers put out cookbooks- not only the winners. Helena, Val, Ruby, Kim-Joy and some others all have books. I think anyone who becomes a bit of a fan favorite can enjoy some modest success from the show.

Nadiya and Liam have broken into television. I mean beyond being contestants. Nadiya is doing really well, she's had several shows of her own. Liam is hosting Bake Off: The Professionals with Tom Allen from Extra Slice.

Liam was overrated

[quote]Quite a few of the bakers put out

Pics please.

Laura:

She added: "If anything, I felt embarrassed at getting so far, as I didn’t feel like I deserved it."

Some reactions.

“Rinky dink”

“Snug as a bug in a rug”

Peter is like a mythological twink elf.

I want eat to eat Peter’s ass and make him gape, because he deserves it.

Peter looks like a cartoon character. With those red lips and his big yellow teeth he reminds me of a Blue Meany

I love the way the ratchet tabloids make a “thing” out of GBBO. Here they make a claim that a few joshing Twitter posts = “fans are devastated.”

[quote] But as Peter was preparing for the cheesecake task, he made a shocking admission - watch the video above.

[quote] Explaining his lime and ginger cheesecake, Peter said: "You can't trust a cheesecake, I have an aversion to cheese in general."

[quote] Fans were devastated by his comments, with many taking to Twitter.

[quote] One said: "I've lost all respect for Peter for that cheese comment, so now Mark is my favourite."

[quote] Jack tweeted: "Peter was one of my favourite bakers, but now he’s said he has 'an aversion to cheese' I consider him a sworn enemy."

[quote] Joseph said: "Peter on The Great British Bake Off just broke my heart, he doesn't like cheese!"

Maybe the mythological twink elf from Narnia is lactose intolerant.

R216 doesn't get sarcasm

slice time

[quote] [R216] doesn't get sarcasm

How is it sarcasm? British tabloids are now trying to push the narrative that “fans are livid” and “devastated” that Hermine was cut, and that Laura is being “bullied.”

It’s not sarcasm to claim people are livid & bullying others on Twitter when people are just making remarks about a tv show.

R216 is gullible, even if he understands sarcasm

[quote] I want eat to eat Peter’s ass and make him gape, because he deserves it.

I’m pretty sure that’s his brother's job.

"slice time"

Ask and ye shall receive.

i was telling, not asking.

and you bitches better thank me for the hdclump link in the first place!

Fuck off.

R225 Do it or don't. Just don't expect a parade, love.

you would not know about i=t unless i linked. so, you all fuck off.

Dave has a bit of a jelly belly.

Extra Slice isn’t clever, charming or funny. Am I the on one that feels this way.

R228, who are you, Trump? Me, me, me, I did this, I did this........

Peter in his school uniform.

I was happy with the results. Peter did very well and was the obvious winner and Dave did very well, too. Hermine is definitely the better overall baker, but you could tell that her showstopper was atrocious. Laura has been "good TV" all along but has been the messiest baker ever. She has been lucky that someone else was just worse every week. Can't believe it won't be Peter but anything is possible in the last week.

Noel and Matt are far too intrusive and annoying this year. There was one time when I was hoping that Peter would stab Noel.

Noel sucks. He’s bringing down the show.

By the way, to hell with the person who posted about Hermine way back on Tuesday. You're not supposed to let spoilers slip until the episode is available in the US.

^ ....adult yourself.

Don’t read this thread as soon as next Tuesday arrives, when GBBO is aired in Britain r235. It the only way to be sure that your enjoyment will not be spoiled.

Meanwhile, did Henry ever come out?

Obviously not, R238. He's on the heterosexuals' sofa.

R220 Because it was clearly tongue in cheek. You're just one of those posters who always wants to find something to whine about, and in this case you just over-reached and made yourself look stupid.

Hermine was eliminated to clear the path for Peter to win, he is the favored one this cycle. Her bakes truly s u c k e d this episode, unfortunately her past triumphs couldn’t carry her, too bad. Laura is the messiest baker I have seen on this show.

When An Extra Slice started it was great, but the popularity of the franchise made them double the length and it now feels bloated and overly cute. Too bad.

[quote]Or get a bbc to fuck them both.

Is Selassie available?

Is a photographer available?

[quote]. You're just one of those posters who always wants to find something to whine about, and in this case you just over-reached and made yourself look stupid.

“Whine about?”

It’s a weekly contest. The absolute purpose of the show is to create drama about the contestants. There is no other reason for it to exist. It would simply be a cooking show, otherwise. The producers want people to tune in each week & their catchphrase is “Who will be our next star baker?” Not “We’d like you not to discuss various aspects of the show on social media.”

But people comparing contestants’ pastry prowess & commenting on the show’s drama are “whining”?

Do you know how contest shows work? How a fan base is developed? How to promote tv shows in other media? Stop whining about people discussing a contest series - which is something that is specifically designed to manipulate viewers’ emotions & viewpoints.

You’re one of those posters who always finds something to whine (and argue) about in Datalounge threads Go find a political thread for your endless bickering.

[quote]Is Selassie available?

Back off bitch!

I want to see Peter naked

^He's pink, very pink...in all the right places.

I want to see Dave plowing Peter's young ass.

Those two are made for each other. Manly perfection.

R245 You're the poster who was whining about British people saying buddy. You, and the posters like you, aren't interested in discussing the show at all. You just come into these threads to find something to bitch and whine about. People can check your post history themselves to see it's true. Your only posts in this thread are the ones moaning about Brits saying buddy. Pathetic.

And you, R250, are complaining, too.

Fancy that.

R251 Yes, complaining. Not whining, and not making up shit to whine about.

Hey, you two tedious cunts! No one cars about your cat fighting.

Stay on topic...back to Peter’s hole.

Laura will lose a crucial ingredient in that mess and blow her final show-stopper challenge.

Next week, whichever baking gods smiled on Laura will smile on her again. The boys will collapse and she will, once again, be the beneficiary of their misfortune.

She will get the glass cake plate and, within 15 minutes, drop it and break it.

Peter will likely go full-on psycho if he doesn't win.

:Prue: Oh Laura, the taste is delicious! I'm so glad you decided to add more rose water to your marzipan filling.

Paul: I've never given a handshake in the finale, but this is an exception. The flavors are spot on. Delicious!

Hermine is the better baker, but she fucked up. She presented an inedible ball of rubber. Laura’s showstopper was perfect (and apparently delicious) except for the mirror glaze.

Whoever keeps talking about “show runners” clearly has no idea how Bake Off is made.

There's an entire play to be written about Hermine's crash and burn on the Bake Off. She's the best and most experienced baker in the competition. She made that clear at the outset of the season. She is such a strong baker that the usual tension of the competition was not there this season. At least, not for me.

And she's an accountant, fer chrissakes. Detail oriented. Everything in its place. Meticulous work. And then, for the Show Stopper, she was a disaster. Threw out everything she planned. Started baking almost free style, no recipe, no plan, no clear idea of how to complete in time. All of it in front of a video camera. And she produced the kind of result that one could expect from that self-defeating approach.

WTF happened with the recipe she had planned? Why did she abandon it and start improvising? It was the most dramatic self-sabotage that we've seen in any season of the Bake-Off. Others have failed, but there was usually some sense that the assignments had simply been beyond the skills of the bakers. Hermine unleashed Grand Guignol on the tent. She committed suicide on national television. And she looked so crushed in every shot as it all unfolded. I kept imagining her as a little girl, being beaten and berated by a drunken father.

Anyway, this needs to be written. Viola Davis will make a devastating Hermine.

MARY^

[quote] Laura’s showstopper was perfect (and apparently delicious) except for the mirror glaze.

Yeah no. It looked like melting dogshit. Laura’s food might taste good but she’s consistently had issues with presentation. In this case it wasn’t just the mirror glaze.

Previews of the finale show Laura's showstopper.

Indeed, those cubes of cake Laura produced were pretty rough. The irregularity of her chocolate glaze, which was an error, not an intention, drew the viewer's eye from the horrible condition of the cake underneath.

A recurring theme throughout all the seasons of the Bake-off has been that the taste is paramount. If it looks great, but is not good and pleasurable to eat... it's always held to be a failure. Ergo, Laura's visual disaster beat Hermine's rubber cake balls.

[quote]Anyway, this needs to be written. Viola Davis will make a devastating Hermine.

Over my dead body!

I agree that Hermine self-sabotaged. Why throw out her recipe and bake free-style for the last bake before the final? I think some part of her, conscious or unconscious, was tired of the competition and just wanted out. That's not Laura's fault.

She was "winging it" through most of the competition and acing it though.

That's the problem with winging it--the method words until it doesn't. It's like sitting down the night before a term paper is due and expecting inspiration to strike. Sometimes it does, but sometimes it doesn't.

*works

[quote] Whoever keeps talking about “show runners” clearly has no idea how Bake Off is made.

That’s true, there is no such thing as people who produce the show, decide what the rules should be, or tell the camera people how to video the contestants, the hosts, the procedure & the bakes - and then tell a post production team how to edit the video & present the show on a screen. There are just a bunch of people doing what they want with cameras.

And the cast members like Sue, Noel, Matt, Sandy & Mel just decide whether or not they want to work that day,; they show up and say/do anything they want. Paul & Prue go out & buy stuff and show everyone “this what we want” after printing out a recipe.

Nobody runs that show.

R269 It's pretty embarrassing that you so thoroughly missed the point that the poster was making.

I’m the one who made the original post about Bake Off having show runners, and I’ve worked in TV here in London for most of my adult life. My partner’s best friend is head of factual entertainment for C4 and one of my friends was editor on Big Brother (ie the person who goes through the footage and crafts a narrative and a storyline for the episode). So I have a reasonable amount of knowledge as to how these programmes are made.

Obviously all reality shows are edited with narrativisation in mind, but the idea that Bake Off is scripted or that the hosts are told who to choose as the winner/loser is just not true. Only Americans raised on manipulated “scripted reality” think that. Paul and Prue are people and no doubt have their own preferences and biases, but they genuinely do pick the person they believe performed worse that week to send home. No one pressures them or tells them “send this person home because it’ll be good drama” or “keep this shitty baker because they’re good telly.” Everything that happens in the tent is real, and none of it is scripted or pre-planned (with the exception obviously of Noel and Matt’s lines, and the concepts of the challenges). Any narratives or storylines are created after the fact in the editing room.

As far as “showrunner” is concerned, there are of course a fairly good sized number of producers and editors who all work in a team to present and edit the footage in the most entertaining way. And a separate team who plan the challenges and calculate the amount of time given and the details for the technical. But there is no single person rubbing their hands together gloating because they’ve staged things so a popular contestant will be kicked out at the last minute for drama.

^Sorry about Bake Off not having a showrunner.

If they don't make Peter the winner, we'll burn that tent to the ground!

Although Jack is very nice too and if they both crash and burn at least Laura's not a bitch and her bakes taste good.

^ Who is jack?

Jack is Dave's murderous alternate personality.

Noel posting at r275. Tell us Noel, settle the argument: are you bi?

Jack is Dave - sorry Dave.

Peter must win, obviously, I can't even remember Jack/Dave's name.

Of course Noel's bi, what kind of question is that?

I would love for Dave to win, obviously. All the ancillary rewards that would flow from that win would be great for a young man with an infant child.

But... if he came in 2nd or 3rd, maybe he would fall on hard times and be forced to do porn. That in the long run would be the greater good for the greater number. We would all love seeing his naked manliness thrusting away.

It's difficult to know who to cheer for this year.

I'm the spirit of jazz, R276

Prue subtly gave Hermine the finger after tasting the first dish from her in this episode. When the Hollywood and the hosts move away from Hermine's table Pru dips her middle finger in some cream and licks it off while still facing Hermine.

Prue was a bit of a babe in her day.

Dave’s got a nice meaty ass.

Peter and Dave both have very nice asses.

I love Peter’s legs in his shorts and apron.

I guess a lot of people just do not know what a showrunner is.|

But that does not stop them from using the term.

Anyone who thinks Bake Off has a showrunner knows fuck all about working in TV.

I just started watching this. Peter is so pretty it's distracting.

What is up with his relationship with his brother? Is his brother, like, a blood sibling, or is "his brother" a British or Scottish euphemism for his honey bunny?

I ask because the series opened showing him playing badminton with his brother. Then he made a gluten-free cake in honor of his brother. Then he made gluten-free bread in honor of his brother. In the episode I have on now, he is making a tiered sponge cake with mathematic symbols on it to celebrate...yep.

Oddly close relationship, yes?

Question for any Brits here: Are mango and pistachio both staple flavors/ingredients in Britain, or are they currently trendy? I can't get over how many people use both in every challenge. I don't like the flavor of mango at all and so I'd personally never use it, and I do like pistachios as a standalone snack, but I don't really enjoy them in baked goods. Yet they seem to be used by these bakers second only to flour, sugar and butter. Maybe even as often as vanilla. It seems peculiar to me.

R289 Don’t forget passion fruit!

R290 I haven't noticed a lot of passion fruit. Guava extract was used in the last episode I watched. But fukkin mango is used by several contestants in almost every single challenge. If I bit into a brownie and it had mango in it I would be absolutely heartbroken. Who would ruin a perfectly perfect plain brownie with mango?

These are "exotic" and "inclusive" to the Brits.

An odd feature of the Bake-Off is that the camera catches the visual presentation only. Not the taste. Never the taste. And the competition is all about food, so taste really is paramount.

Aren't the bakers using things like mango because they are sweet and very flavorful? Pistachio gets you a color that doesn't often come about when baking. Paul Hollywood loves Key Lime, so it is tempting to plan around that. When baking with chocolate, a bit of espresso in the mix gives the chocolate flavor some heft. If I recall correctly, there are things like pear that the judges always seem to find has disappeared into the mix.

If I found myself as an upcoming contestant on this show, I would ask a friend who bakes to review every episode for just this sort of tip. No way I would go 10 weeks without a memorable Key Lime dessert in my bag of tricks.

R292 exposing itself for what it really is there

Uncle Roger Review GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF Japanese Week

A showrunner is the person who has overall creative authority and management responsibility for an entire television series. Often, the showrunner is a writer. He or she is not necessarily the creator of the tv show, but always an executive producer.

Here.

Peter would be the youngest person to win the show. That would be very encouraging for the young to consider baking.

Peter is very methodical with his bakes. Some of his explanations of his bakes shows that he understands how ingredients create texture. This tells me that he doesn't just whip up stuff and sees what (literally) sticks. I cannot recall similar remarks about ingredients in terms of flavors. In that regard I got the impression that he was lucky with some bakes and not so lucky with others.

I also got the impression that he knows how to show leg. And I appreciate his effort in that regard, too.

I have seen part of one season in the past. I didn't realize there's apparently a whole culture that goes along with a handshake and so forth. It took me a couple of episodes to realize Mr. Hollywood chooses the winner that way. (What's the lady judge for?) The comedian hosts are equally annoying and fun.

The guy with the long hair looks so much like Charlotte Clymer that I want not to like him, but I find him amusing anyway. He has a good way of ruthlessly teasing people without seeming mean at all.

I'm surprised that a lot of the bakers aren't very good at it, and confused about that. Are they all home bakers, then? No professionals? (I guess I could look this up.) I expected when I turned it on that these would all be pretty accomplished bakers. It seems odd that one of the challenges is always just to follow directions and recipes. It obviously requires some knowhow since many of them fuck it up every week, but it seems like a pretty straightforward thing for anyone who knows how to bake and has a broad knowledge of baked goods.

Anyway, what a treat to discover for now. I woke up early and had the dreadful cable news on for two minutes before I got anxious, and then I remembered I had been watching this show yesterday and it was such a nice break from reality.

You'll love all of the seasons, R299. It is consistently both good-hearted and entertaining. The contestants are all amateur/home bakers and none are professional bakers. Both Paul and Mary/Prue get input on the outcome. Paul just sometimes gives a handshake in the first round as an early bonus when he is extra impressed. It doesn't mean that that person is going to win that week.

Even with experienced bakers, things can go wrong because baking is tricky. There is a fine line between too long and not long enough be it for proving doughs, baking, etc. Also, the time element comes into play as well as the physical conditions in the tent. Sometime the heat or rain can really make things extra difficult.

Go back and watch from season one and you'll see. You'll also be happy you did.

Are there any plans to bring back the American version without Johnny Iuzzini, or is it gone for good? (Seeing his name in this thread inspired me to rewatch the dysfunction-laden freak show that was [italic]Top Chef: Just Desserts[/italic] on the Bravo streaming app.)

I'm not sure I need a US version. US-american competition shows always become so... competitive. This show is so refreshing because winning is not everything here. Seeing the candidates supporting each others makes the appeal for me. If the US-version was copying this concept I'd give it a try. But if it just turns into one of those food TV competitions or even worse into trash like Nailed It - no thanks. One appeal I could see: Thanks to an even more diverse population, the US-version could have bakes from the US, Mexico, Philippines, everywhere really. That might be a perk.

Peter is indeed methodical. He does really well in the technicals, being careful and clearly knowledgeable - I don't remember anyone before being quite so consistently good in that area..

There is no way the US could pull off the same long-running concept of a baking show without cash money prize and regular folk, who need paying jobs to keep them afloat, taking some time off from work to do the show. The show would either have to feature financially independent people who don't have to work for a living (losing some of its appeal, because these guys are rich and not regular folk like the viewers) or celebrities and *gag* social media stars and influencers who have nothing better to do during the show's filming schedule.

Is the American looking lady (blonde and obese) very wealthy? I think they said she lives in Kent or something and she and her husband look like they have a very fancy house with a big flower garden and an outdoor pizza oven. Isn't that pretty excessive for the UK?

What I like about GBBO is that contestants can keep their jobs and still do the competition--it only happens on the weekends. They don't pen the contestants up like veal the way US reality shows do. I know several of the younger contestants have continued with school while the season is being filmed. This season with the quarantine bubble was a big exception.

Oh really, R306? That is interesting and different. Cool.

Yep, in a normal season, they film the signature and technical bakes on Saturday and the showstopper bake on Sunday. Everyone then goes home and can practice their upcoming bakes (except the technical) all week. They are given an allowance to buy as many supplies as they need--that way, richer contestants don't have an advantage over poorer ones.

They just had a Great American Baking Show last Dec. One of the Spice Girls was a host and Paul Hollywood was judging. To be honest, I lost interest half-way through so it wasn't very memorable but the show does still run once a year.

Who would you choose as judges for an American equivalent? I would go with Ina Garten and somebody else. Any ideas on the male judge?

There are already five million baking competition shows on Food Network, usually around the holidays. What makes GBBO so wonderful (to me, anyway) is its Britishness. No need to do an American edition.

Wow, I just looked it up and The Great American Baking Show has had five seasons. I had no idea.

Bake off The Professionals is also very watchable.

Does anyone else watch Zumbo's Just Desserts on Netflix? It only has 2 seasons, but I like it a lot. It's set up differently in that the bottom two from the first bake of the episode have to face each other in an elimination challenge. The challenge is always some insanely complicated layered dessert cooked up by Zumbo. It's very watchable.

Who the fuck is Zumbo?

He's some famous pastry chef in Australia. I never heard of him before watching the show, either. He had a chain of bakeries Down Under, but they went bankrupt a couple of years ago. I don't know if there will be any more seasons of the show or not.

I think the heat did Hermine in. It messed with the proving of her savarins in the signature, plus you could see her clothes drenched with sweat at several points, and after the judge's comments it seemed like her confidence was really shaken, especially after being built up at the beginning as the favorite for patisserie week.

The technical was absolutely ridiculous - that horn thing was one of the kitschiest things I have ever seen and I'm not convinced it belonged in patisserie week. I'm sure Hermine was expecting the technical to be something typically French with choux or puff pastry, which she would have been comfortable with, but A) she wound up having to basically play with almond play-doh and B) she had to suffer the indignity of losing to Peter when she was clearly the only one who understood how to actually make the horn horn-shaped.

So basically she comes into round 3 of patisserie week feeling totally off her game and defeated, which you could see in the way she held herself. Yes she winged her recipe, but I think the heat plus the psychological toll of the first 2 rounds was what did her in. She did terribly this week and she deserved to go, but it was just so depressing watching her and knowing that under different circumstances she could have done so much better.

Aussie Bake Off has great judges and unfunny cunts hosting.

I agree that the horn thing was ridiculous. The technical should test their skills in classic bakes, not some weird recipe nobody has ever heard of, much less eaten.

R314 Zumbo’s Just Desserts was crap. A friend conned into watching. I still haven’t forgiven him for wasting my time.

R317 In America, black people usually like high temperatures. A psychiatrist friend told me that...black people were energized by warner temperatures. Hermine was sweating through her dress, but it was poor planning that did her in...not her swamp ass pussy.

And it didn't even look or sound appetizing. It looked donut like, but it was also crispy. I didn't get that recipe at all.

American television would need to have conflict featured in order to appeal to the only important demographic ( 19-40). That would ruin the entire show. They'd also get people like Tyra Banks to host.

Warning to those who don't want to be spoiled -- the finale airs tonight in the UK. Netflix won't have it until Friday.

Thank you for the warning r323

There’s one egregious cunt who wants to spoil it for US viewers.

I will not read this thread until I view the finale on Friday morning.

There's one egregious cunt who doesn't know the world revolves around me.

R299, the technical challenge is not just "following a recipe." The recipe leaves out key information.

Measurements, time to bake, temperature to bake---all of this information is regularly left out. Sometimes it just says "prepare the dough."

Also, many of the pastries are obscure, so the bakers are unlikely to have seen or tasted them.

No photo is provided, so they may not know how it is supposed to look or taste when done. And because they are given a limited amount of each ingredient, they cannot always fix mistakes.

I liked the technicals much better when they were recipes people had heard of. Nobody has ever heard of that cornucopia thing, and it looked awful. I'd much rather see them make flan or something.

I was spoiled last week because the Google news thing on my phone (the one where you swipe right and there are articles they think might be of interest to you) had Hermine's ouster in the damn headline. It's really difficult not to get spoiled anymore unless you just avoid everything.

duh!

In past seasons it was mostly stuff you never heard of like like La Religouse and the Princess Cakes.

I think this season they are doing things that are more familiar. (Bagels? Babka? Really")

Peter must be the type who keeps Christmas decorations up all year round.

I like the somewhat obscure technicals but they do take it too far sometimes. I thought the horn of plenty was okay in theory but not for patisserie week since it seems more like a biscuit sculpture than a pastry.

Nothing was as bad as that pita technical.

Laura needs to work on her pronunciation of nougatine.

An emotional finale: laughter when Laura tried to bury herself up to her shoulders in the fridge; surprise that naughty Noel’s ‘key party’ quip was kept in and a little tear of joy for the winner and sadness for the tribute at the end.

HAAAAA!!!

Rowan’s update came as no surprise.

already on the clump. where's the fat whore that posts like she found it in the first place?

What is Rowan's update?

peter's mom said she remembers "gay afternoons making cupcakes with his brother."

lol

He’s learning to sew his own waistcoats, r338.

I think if I searched DL for the topic I’d find a series of shrieking posts demanding immediate help with buttonhole placement and whether or not a Magic Flute lining goes with houndstooth.

Here is the final:

I always like it when you can hear the crew applauding after the final bake. And the updates on the bakers staying in touch.

What am I going to do now without new episodes of Bake Off to give me warm fuzzies?

I'm sorry but Noel and Matt were just plain annoying. Their " conversations" were non-sensical, especially Noel's, and did nothing to either help the bakers or get information. A total waste of time.

I love how the Showstopper challenge was judged/edited to make it look like Laura might remotely have a chance, while the judges tore both other (perfect looking) bakes to pieces.

Someone commented on reddit words to this effect: Bakers, for your technical challenge, Paul and Prue would like you to make eight chocolate covered butt plugs.

The technical challenge.

I've been rewatching some of the older seasons on Netflix, and it's amazing how much better this show was in the BBC days. Mel and Sue are head and shoulders over Noel and Matt as hosts, and Mary Berry brought such a warmth and expertise to her judging. Also, the challenges were so much better. Technicals for treacle tarts and brandy snaps and other dishes people have actually heard of and tasted. Sufficient time given that most bakers can finish and produce something reasonable. I hate the gimmicks that have crept into the current iteration of the show.

I always looked forward to hearing Mary pronounce " layers" as " lairs."

" treacle tarts and brandy snaps and other dishes people have actually heard of and tasted"

Really?

I have no idea what the hell those are. Just texted five friends who are enthusiastic bakers and asked if they know those dishes. None had ever heard of them. One asked what treacle is. No one could answer.

These are do not match this years bagels and babka in familiarity.

You've never heard of treacle tart or brandy snaps? Those are classic British desserts.

Every single person in the UK knows what treacle tart and brandy snaps are.

No one cares what ignorant Yanks know and don’t know. Americans think a baking recipe starts with something called “box mix.”

And treacle tart is certainly far better known than Babka.

Treacle tart is the British equivalent of pumpkin pie.

[quote]Mel and Sue are head and shoulders over Noel and Matt as hosts

Someone in the previous thread mocked the idea that some people are just presenters, but the contrast between Mel & Sue and Noel & Matt really does show the difference and importance of having people who really know how to present versus someone from another field doing it as a side gig.

One of R349's baker friends:

For everyone saying how poor the bakers are this year, there was a shout-out to the great John Waite, winner of Series 3, who has one of the most successful post-Bake-Off careers. One week he used salt instead of sugar; another he nearly chopped his finger off and had to be taken to hospital; and on another he had a hangover that could be seen from space. What a legend.

But his bakes were usually spot-on. The problem with these bakers isn't the mishaps, it's the poor quality of the bakes.

And John had a better ass. Priorities!

For entertainment value, Dave was the MVP. The concept of his showstopper was bold, finishing early was a mood, and we got to see the new baby.

Now that he's out of the bubble and back at school, will Peter lose his virginity? To a male or female?

To Mr. Spoon.

R352 You can buy babka at the supermarket.

Treacle tart....not so much.

And I know I have read about treacle in victorian novels...but I cannot say what it is without looking it up.

R350, I have been to italian bakeries, french bakeries, jewish bakeries, and even german bakeries.

But a british bakery? Are there any?

I make a great treacle tart - it's a British basic. You also use treacle for such autumnal treats as parkin.

Most UK towns have bakeries, R361, but generally focussing on bread and savoury pies, pasties and patties. Otherwise you go to a cake shop, or a patisserie if you are middle class. Chains like Greggs are taking over somewhat, but there are still plenty of independent bakeries around.

I hate to break it to you, R362, there are few (if any brit bakeries outside of Britain). I listed above the ones I go to most often, but I also occasionally go to Haitian bakeries, Hungarian bakeries and Cuban bakeries as well.

I love anything baked.

And in any city I have been in, I have never seen a British bakery.

And I have no idea what a parkin or savoury pie is. I have had pasties and patties, but in the US at least you rarely see them in bakeries. (Here if a bakery does have non-desert food it is something simple like sandwiches that highlight their breads, focaccia, croissants, etc.. and does not require cooking meat.)

It worries me not a jot that the US doesn't have British bakeries, R363, and you didn't actually say 'in the US'. If you've been watching Bake-Off you have seen savoury pies, which feature in some form in most series (steak, steak and kidney, Scotch (lamb), cheese and onion, meat and potato etc). I have attached a parkin recipe, in case it is of interest. It's commonly eaten at Halloween and on Bonfire Night.

From r335's link

[quote] Peter is also young enough to have watched Bake Off for half of his life. Eagle-eyed viewers might have had fun watching Paul Hollywood die inside a little whenever he was reminded of this.

LOL

This was my first GBBO season and I will try to find the time to check previous seasons. To me this season was very pleasant.

“You can buy babka at the supermarket. Treacle tart....not so much.”

Only in America.

You can buy treacle tart in literally any supermarket in Britain. You can buy treacle tart in any bakery. You can even buy treacle tart in corner shops.

Babka? Not so much. Not only is babka not sold in supermarkets, it’s not even sold in bakeries. I’m Jewish so of course I grew up with babka but it simply isn’t something you see in Britain, outside of speciality Jewish bakers or bakeries in Jewish areas.

Honestly what’s wrong with Americans assuming that everywhere is exactly like America? Expressing shock that a foreign TV show made in and for a foreign country uses things common to that country?

Why does everyone on the show talk funny?

I bet if any Americans ever left the US it would blow their tiny minds to learn that plenty of mainstays of American cooking or American culture are totally unknown outside the US.

Try asking any British or European person if they’ve ever seen pumpkin pie.

You can’t buy them at Sainsbury’s.

Can’t buy them at Waitrose.

Can’t buy them at Tesco.

You can’t buy them anywhere at all.

R364, I did not know that savoury, was a class of pie. I always assumed it was one the odd British ingredients like marzipan, so I never looked it up before. I thought it was a spice of some sort.

It made me reflect that this show is one of the few cooking centered shows that you watch without any desire to taste the food. Most of what they bake seems pretty wretched, so I have rarely looked up dishes or ingredients. But it is interesting how uninteresting the food is---and yet the show itself is exceptional.

You've never heard of the word savoury? What?

R355, do you mean THIS John Whaite?

R364, I do not know a lot of cooking terms, so no I had not heard it.

I am in the US and I have only ever heard British people use it in the sense of "not sweet.: In the US, I have heard it used as a compliment like "tasty" or "flavorful" but not to describe a particular type of flavor.

It's not a "cooking term" like something only a professional cook would know, it's just a word. I can't even with this stupidity.

Yes, not knowing the difference is dumbass.

Savory meaning not sweet is not something you hear in ordinary conversation. When you do hear it is used, it is to describe things like rice and chicken salad--things that have no sweet variety.

There are lots of "just words" that are not generally used. I cannot calls someone a dumbass because they do not know the difference between kerning and leading. Or because they do not know what a grommet is. Not everyone shares specialized vocabularies.

Well, I did!

[quote]When you do hear it is used, it is to describe things like rice and chicken salad--things that have no sweet variety.

Meaning you actually know what it means, and yet for some reason can't apply that knowledge to pies?

Of course you hear savoury in the way you say in ordinary conversation, R379 - well, maybe not you, personally, as you apparently live in some remote tribal community or are Amish or something, but everyone else does.

R381, but I did not know it excluded sweet things. I would have said that an apple pie, cookies, fudge or anything that tasted good would have been savory.

I did a quick survey. Five out of six people thought it was just a synonym for delicious.

No to open another can of worms, but how often do you have a "savory" pie? Maybe the word is not common because the dish is not common outside of Sweeney Todd.

Eat a quiche, fucktard.

9.2 million Brits watched the final, up from 6.9 million the previous year.

i can't believe prue looks live she could be on the avengers back in the day.

explains her fashion though.

The story of Tom Allen from Extra Slice. Sounds like a DLer, still living with his parents at 37.

Another member of R383's panel of experts.

R383, was this survey conducted entirely amongst your fellow special education students? Do any of them take the bus to school, possibly while wearing helmets? Do any of them look like Rosie O’Donnell?

We're being G/R/Ump-trolled again. It's a Thanksgiving miracle!

R389, actually it was publishing industry folk, a few editors, a designer, and a VP. The only one who knew the term was the designer. She said its because she had worked on some cookbooks.

To be fair, we are all New Yorkers, and I have found people who live in the city do have surprising pockets of ignorance.

[quote]but I did not know it excluded sweet things. I would have said that an apple pie, cookies, fudge or anything that tasted good would have been savory.

You've twice now said you've heard it used to describe things which aren't sweet, and now you say this? You're actually an idiot.

[quote]No to open another can of worms, but how often do you have a "savory" pie? Maybe the word is not common because the dish is not common outside of Sweeney Todd.

So you've never heard of a chicken pot pie, for example?

Now you’ve done it. It’s going to come back and ask how a pie could be cooked in a pot. Nine out of ten people surveyed have heard of soup in a pot, but never a pie. And what constitutes a pie, anyway?

Is it the inclusion of crust? But what about cottage pie? What about shepherd’s pie? They have mashed potatoes on top but no crust. If someone made apple-pie filling and baked it under a layer of mashed potatoes, would it be considered a pie?

Is it something to do with the vessel in which a pie is cooked? What if it’s rectangular? These things do not exist in New York. What is potted beef? Is that a pie, too? Do you mean to tell me that potted plants are pies? Do you?

Contestants react.

From reddit:

"The Canadian version has an air-conditioned tent (well, pavilion really) and they added even more A/C units last year, because the judges felt it wasn't fair for the contestants' bakes to be affected by hot weather and Toronto routinely gets scorching in July."

This seems to be a problem every year. Is it fair to ask home bakers to do their best and put them through adverse conditions that could easily be remedied? Or, does the battle with the heat provide the only drama to the show? Personally, I'd like to see the elements not play a deciding factor in the result.

It's probably a climate change thing. The show is accredited by a sustainability group called Albert, and I can imagine there being all kinds of negative press if they had air con.

In other news Matt Lucas and Tom Allen will be presenting the Christmas special (Noel was on paternity leave when they filmed it)

[quote]This year’s special will see former contestants James Hillery from the 2017 series, Ruby Bhogal, from the 2018 series, and Rosie Brandreth-Poynter and Jamie Finn from the 2019 series go head to head for the Christmas Star Baker title.

We really need to lower our carbon emissions or the quality of the bakes will suffer.

I found this bit of info about Noel a bit hard to believe:

He was named one of GQ's 50 best dressed British men in 2015.

That is surely only hard to believe if you've never read GQ

We are talking about the style and baking of British people, R398. The bar is not very high.

I feel like Noel was so creepy with Dave. Also with Peter, but more so with Dave.

The final Extra Slice.

Peter is much cuter than his brother

R401 "I feel like Noel was so creepy with Dave"

I didn't notice anything obvious.

Peter’s win made some sense, though Dave’s technical should have counted more into the final decision. I really enjoyed Dave’s determination and focus. He was a gentleman and very gracious when Peter won the platter. The video clip of his wife was touching (she is very pretty and their family is beautiful). Dave appeared to try very hard, listen and respond to the judges’ feedback, and he was uniformly a great pleasure to watch.

A generally good season and that’s a triumph considering the conditions of the production.

Mr. Spoon was an epic fail in terms of a comic device. Matt’s easier to take than Noel, which is unusual because Noel is (to me) physically more attractive, but his humor is odd and even though it’s meant to be offbeat, it’s just not too funny.

Pru is, in a curious way, extremely telegenic and nearly matches Mary Berry’s warmth and precision and care. Casting agents should study this as a benchmark case. Just great.

Womanly assed Dave is an attention-whoring frau of the highest order.

I bet he’s kicking himself that it’s too late for him to pop out of a gender-reveal cake on This Morning.

A female ( of course) columnist hints at the elimination of Hermine as racist

Well, Stacy pretty much ruined the moment. Think about it. You've been living with this man and just had a baby. The host says to the man," Now, Dave, I think there's a question you wanted to ask?" Dave stands up and walks over to you and professes his love. Don't you have any inkling that a proposal is coming up? Then why do you ruin the moment, before he gets a chance to say," Will you marry me?" by saying very casually, "Oh my God, I actually thought you were going to say a joke." If I had been Dave, I tell her that the ring is for Peter and that he was going to ask him to marry him.

Laura was outranked by far. She was a very good home baker but just not of the same caliber of the other top finalists. I wish we could have seen Hermine in the top 3. Nonetheless I do think the right person won.

The finale was very good. Laura definitely "Laured" it up the whole time. Very happy that Peter and Dave were the last two and glad that Peter won but would have been happy with Dave as well. He really improved over the run of the show.

Noel is always creepy and off-putting. I wish they'd get rid of him and bring in a better second host to play off Matt. I'd love to see Richard Ayoade.

I think Noel is pretty funny, actually, and he seems very sweet. I didn't find Matt Lucas funny at all which surprised me because he was so good in Little Britain. But as someone else stated, there is specific skill in being a presenter. I don't think Matt Lucas has that talent.

Mel and Sue really made it look easy.

R256, I was thinking of your comment at the end of the finale, when we were awaiting the judges' announcement. The camera focused on Peter, capturing a bizarre look on his face as he balanced on the knife edge between expectant nerves and potential rage. He definitely looked as though he could melt down if he lost.

I actually thought Dave had the edge, since his Showstopper was much more professionally done, but I guess Peter was inevitable.

Some of the recipes from the show look interesting, but whenever I think about doing one, there's always some ingredient that's next-to-impossible to find in the US. Granted, it's easier now with Amazon--but only for non-perishables, of course. I ended up tracking down Golden Syrup for a recipe last year at Cost Plus World Market. But I've never seen treacle, or golden caster sugar (even regular caster (superfine) sugar is not readily available everywhere.) And what's the deal with those sheets of gelatin? Another thing I've never seen except on this show. All we have is powdered gelatin.

Laura reminded me of this joke:

[quote] Two strangers were out backpacking in the woods. They came upon each other and decided to walk the next bit together. Around a bend in the trail they came face to face with a bear. One stranger drops to his knee, fetches his running shoes from his backpack and begins the removing his hiking boots. The other stranger just stares and says, "There is no way you can run faster than that bear."

[quote]The kneeling stranger stands up and replies, [bold] "I don't have to be faster than the bear. I only have to be faster than you." [/bold]

For most of the time Laura was in the bottom, but she saved herself from elimination with her dishes' flavors the judges apparently liked so much, so others were eliminated. There was no way she would win that way, because it was doubtful that both Peter and David would fuck up so bad. However, ages ago on the Celebrity edition of The Mole comedienne Kathy Griffin won in a similar fashion by being the fastest going through the quiz which eliminated the other ones who had the same low score but answered slower.

I'd like to see Noel and Matt's bodies used as the ingredients in a mince pie technical. They nearly ruined the season for me and are horribly miscast as presenters on a show like this.

Noel is on maternity leave (and can't do the Christmas special)? That guy managed to put his DNA in new human being? The shittiness of 2020 never ends, apparently.

I like Noel and Matt. I liked Mel and Sue more but as "the sideshow" Noel and Matt are fine. The first year Noel was on I didn't "get" it but the more I see of him, the more I like him. Yes, obviously he's weird but I don't mind it. Matt's fun and I think he'll get better as he goes along with the show.

Prue is growing on me. She's not Mary but she's very well chosen and doing a great job. She insisted on working this season, totally her choice, she wanted to do it. Good for her, she's a tough old bird.

Funny, I feel the opposite about Noel. I was pleasantly surprised by him his first season, but think he has gone downhill. It seems like he doesn't connect with the bakers at all, he just dutifully pops in to distract them with his incessant single entendres. At least Matt seems interested.

Noel and Sandi's first season is actually one of my favorites. Great bunch of bakers.

Can't believe Dave proposed to his girlfriend on Extra Slice. How tacky. Bet he turns up on another reality show in a few years.

R415, your golden syrup is treacle. Black treacle is molasses. I would say probably light molasses rather than dark, which we (US) really only use for things like gingerbread; its flavor is very strong.

R420 is right. Noel has gone downhill and has a real disconnect from the bakers. His interactions seem more daffy and distracting, like he is wandering about the tent waiting for a ride somewhere, without anything to do. He and Matt seem more focused and close to being helpful when reviewing the judging with Paul and Pru, though. It’s a tough gig, being a comic host, when the bakers are struggling to stay focused and follow tight timelines. The Bake Off seems to struggle to follow the structure that earned its following, and that’s a tough challenge for producers. They can’t easily drop the comedic hosts, but are struggling to cast them. Matt is an improvement from Sandy, though. Noel seems constrained by his past, trying to retrofit some goofy absurdist humor into this new context, and that’s hard. He’s like a class clown with progeria. Paul seems intent on simply ignoring him, stoically at times.

I was impressed by Matt's command of the details in the final Showstopper judging. He ran down the salient points, recapping the remarks that Prue and Paul had made.

I do like Noel. I see what his detractors mean, but I find him amusing and helpful in his own way. He's more of a comically annoying brother to the contestants, which sometimes works and sometimes irritates them, but he's had some truly touching moments of support with them. He's successfully distracted a couple of them who were on the verge of meltdowns. Matt's even better at that, but I find Noel to be just as good as previous co-presenters. It's a matter of taste, I suppose.

I was impressed by Matt's command of the details in the final Showstopper judging. He ran down the salient points, recapping the remarks that Prue and Paul had made.

I do like Noel. I see what his detractors mean, but I find him amusing and helpful in his own way. He's more of a comically annoying brother to the contestants, which sometimes works and sometimes irritates them, but he's had some truly touching moments of support with them. He's successfully distracted a couple of them who were on the verge of meltdowns. Matt's even better at that, but I find Noel to be just as good as previous co-presenters. It's a matter of taste, I suppose.

Oh, wow, my first accidental double post. Sorry!

I like Dave’s fat arse. Is that would a Brit say who’s into guys with a big ass? Well, I’m into it like a cream horn!

Hopefully Dave mentioned the proposal to Peter beforehand, otherwise it was rather pissing on his moment.

I will say that Noel’s narration of process, explaining the bakers’ planning, recipe construction and design elects, is very good (clear, polished). Noel has some good points, but has a hard time connecting with the bakers, and that may be situational (the heat in the tend, The pandemic, individual personalities).

Dave took the bait from Matt in one exchange with Matt that “got weird for a minute”, offering up “I can feed ya later, if you like”. Matt seemed dumbfounded for an instant.

True ^^. It was actually weird before that, too, when Matt said, "I want to be your baby if you'll be baking." Since he looks so much like a giant baby, with his total alopecia, it sounded extra-strange in addition to the vaguely kinky ring it already had.

I really felt like Noel was the first host to connect with the bakers. The others always felt distant for me, but Noel was so much warmer.

I think Sue and Mel often connected with the bakers, but on a somehow less personal level. They were good at the job. I think Noel and Matt have the right demeanor.

Noel and Matt are not there to be comics or a side show. They are there to make sure the whole thing gels into great television. Paul and Prue are necessarily out of the tent while the baking goes on. The show needs to seasoned show business professionals there to circulate and engage the bakers. Otherwise, they're going to be baking, not speaking. They won't even be looking up. The whole show rests on the ability of those two hosts to connect with the bakers, relax them, get them to open up a bit and speak instead of bake. It's a difficult job, but everything rests on it.

Unfortunately, Noel is always slightly withdrawn, slightly aloof, and slightly provocative. He's a bit of a prat, as they might say in the UK. He's not warm and the bakers are always on their guard with him. He does not pull the best camera moments out of them. I have seen him be kind and generous with bakers who were imploding, but before we get to that point, we don't get much out of Noel.

Matt has been finding his way and from time to time has made that sort of connection. But he's not yet much of an interviewer, either. Maybe he will grow to it, but maybe he will go some other direction that won't help get the moments needed from the bakers.

Mel and Sue excelled at getting the bakers to talk. With it, you get a tent full of interesting characters the viewer can get to know and come to care about. Without it, you get two socially awkward men, younger than their years, calling attention to themselves.

To give Noel his due, he's not doing a bad job. But he's not doing a great job either IMHO, and I wouldn't be bereft if they replaced him.

But I am bereft to have no new episodes to look forward to. What will I watch now?

Loads of twink porn r433

[quote] Is that would a Brit say who’s into guys with a big ass?

Translation please, Egalandy at R426.

[quote]Loads of twink porn

Right in front of my savarin!

Nice craquelin on your profiteroles, R436!

Mel, Sue, Mary and Paul originated the show and did it for years. The way they created it and those relationships are the ones that are the show to long-time watchers.

Prue is pretty good at being Mary although no one can ever be Mary Berry. Mel and Sue were perfect, Noel and Sandi were good. She kept him in line more than Matt does but Matt is better than Sandi at the job as a whole. I still really like the show and evidently I'll watch it regardless of the changes they make.

I'd prefer fewer young bakers, more old people. Peter, Dave and Laura were great, especially Peter but the show is leaning too young. The old ladies and old men make the show a thousand times better.

Yes! What R438 said!!!

Has an older contestant (50+) ever won?

Yes, I can think of one at least r440

But Google it, you lazy whore

Nancy Birtwhistle (60) is the oldest winner, R440.

Prue is better on the show than Mary.

No one is better than Mary, R443, don't even bother trying it.

Sue Perkins was an annoying bint. The Mel and Sue seasons are not as enjoyable because of her silly mugging and even sillier quips. Mary Berry was fine but I like the eccentric Big Bird that is Prue.

I’m not sure Noel and Matt are a good fit together. Noel and Sandy at least had a cute Mutt & Jeff contrast going and played well off each other. While I love Noel and Richard Ayoade together on other shows, Richard’s way too aloof and acerbic for GBBO.

Interesting that they had Emma Bunton on "Extra Slice" since she was one of the hosts of the most recent iteration of the Great American Baking Show. (Of course they didn't mention that on ES.)

Links to pics of Dave’s ass please.

Noel and Prue and Sandy were much better than the slag-faced, gap-toothed beasts they replaced.

Matt is useless.

Peter and David are both adorable. I would enjoy both their cornucopias. I also got super-gay vibes from David but how he lives doesn't affect my life at all.

This was my first season of this series, and in sum:

1. Great feel-good alternative to news and real life.

2. Better than any Food Network competition.

3. Peter is pretty and perfect.

4. Dave is a sexy nerdy goof.

5. All the rest were very likable, too.

6. I had no idea gorgeous flowers and other artistic compositions could be made with Jell-O.

7. But does anyone want to eat gelatin?

8. Especially on a cake?

9. Way overused mango, pistachio, almond and passionfruit. Are these things all British staples?

10. The hosts are creepy and annoying and yet I like them both somehow.

11. I couldn't believe the ladyjudge when she said she is 80. I thought she was joking.

Fortunately, Dave proposed before Peter was interviewed. I thought you were going to say that You thought Dave mentioned the proposal, because Peter thought that HE was the one Dave wanted. After all, six weeks in a bubble.............

In the last episode, at one point it sounded like Matt Lucas and Dave(!) had something going on behind the scenes. And I hoped it would be true.

Dave has a slim face, but a pudgy body. The apron hides a lot. He's still handsome.

David said he needed to use his prick at one point. Hehe.

I am glad Peter won, he's adorable and was a good baker. I am a bit perplexed by Hermine, she was amazing all the way through then SUDDENLY becomes incompetent. Laura was always a hot mess and I don't think she deserved to make it to the final. But whatever.

I know Peter is pale but how comes he looked so red sometimes, esp around the eyes? It was distracting. Don't they have make up people? I'm not saying he needed to be brown but they could have evened him up. In the montage after the last epi they showed a group shot that had Peter in a t shirt and gym shorts and he look great. Nice tight body on him. Glad he won.

Noel gets weirder and weirder and I sometimes find the shtick distracting. I do miss Mel and Sue who seemed to connect more. Matt has good moments, in fact I've liked him a few times. Then they make him doing something silly with Noel and I'm taken right out of it.

[quote] Nice tight body on him. Glad he won.

All the qualities one needs to win a baking contest!

Peter should talk to John Whaite, who won bake-off at 23 and says now that the win totally screwed up his life. John might give Peter some good advice on how to handle the new-found fame.

John Whaite arrived at GGBO a whiny depressed asshole, competed as a whiny depressed asshole, and left as winner as a whiny depressed asshole.

Peter will be fine.

I thought the beefcake shots John did after Bake-Off were very odd.

I wonder if Peter's red eye area is from his being so pale. He must have thin, sensitive skin, and it was really hot in that tent. My face can get quite irritated by my own sweat; maybe he was perspiring and rubbing his eyes, or maybe it was just from being flushed overall.

Holding 375-degree cakes up to his face to listen to them all the time can't have helped.

R456, would you post some of the article here? It’s paywalled and I can’t read it.

The Telegraph article was paywalled for me too, R456. I meant to post the synopsis from the Sun.

The older gay gay in R461's picture (can't remember his name) seemed like the inspiration for the Anal-Retentive Chef on SNL.

What an idiot. Who thinks they win GBBO and then get a showbiz career?! You just go about your life like you had planned. I wanted James to win that year anyway.

Brendan, I think the older man's name was. He was noticeably peeved when John won. Seeing how things turned out, perhaps it would have been better if Brendan had won--a fussy older man who's already retired from his chosen profession might have handled being the winner with more aplomb. Though my favorite that year was cutie-pie medical student James. It was clear he WASN'T taking it too seriously. Although he still pops up in the media from time to time, he finished his schooling and is now a doctor with the NHS.

GBBO is essentially a game show. Anyone winning it should see it in that light and not expect to have a long and storied career. Nadiya's fame is something of a fluke.

James was the real star of that season and more creative. OTOH, Brendan got knocked for doing things that reflected his time and his experience as a baker.

Nadiya was likable and the competition seemed truly transformative for her. Also, her kids were old enough that she could transition to a new career. It's not that she's a fluke, it's that the right elements were there. Tamal also was very likable, but also had a stable career path already. John was a mess--giving up law school??? He'd also given up Oxbridge to be near home? What was that about? No, he was a mess going in and became a bigger one coming out. Clearly had a lot of mommy issues and I wouldn't be surprised if she was no help. Is he still with same partner--that guy must be really "long suffering".

I like that there's one winner who got caught shoplifting (Frances). Even a relatively kind, gentle show like GBBO is still a reality show and should have at least one law breaker.

My memory is that John got his law degree, a first from whichever of Oxford or Cambridge it was, so he didn't drop out. He then went on to do a top patisserie course in Paris. He had decent media offers for a fair number of years, so it did pay off. It isn't going to set you up for life, of course not, but gives a platform and he says himself that some of his issues were self-inflicted.

Just starting to watch the series from the beginning after the latest season made such a big impression on me and, to be honest, that impression of the first episode of the first season is quite ... jarring. The hosts look like two lesbian history students who give the viewers lectures about baking history with segments where they visit historical places regarding baking. WTF? The female judge lacks a bit of personality (but so far all she had to say is that the goods are either dry or moist) and Paul Hollywood ... oh, boy. Paul looks like he's trying way too hard to counter all the estrogen on the judging and hosting panel that he looks like Guy Fieri's slightly more conservative twin.

Brendan was a nasty piece of work. Bitter. Judgmental. A match made in heaven for Data Lounge.

But I wouldn't want to spent two minutes with that nasty little S.O.B.

He just seemed like a prim little gay man to me.

The image of Brendan stretching his (phyllo?) dough over the hair on his forearms in one challenge was quite disconcerting and pretty disgusting.

[quote]He just seemed like a prim little gay man to me.

BURN HER!!!

Hands down, Brendan was the least sporting contestant the Bake-Off has ever presented.

Vicious little man.

You realize that the contestants “personalities” are constructed in the editing room r473?

Rowan>Brendan

Tezzer>Rowan

John changed universities to be closer to family. If he has a first it isn't from Oxford/Cambridge. He dropped out of law school, but later went back.

What is this "first" thing you keep talking about re: John?

After some of John's antics - both the semi-porn photos, his public whining, and, for instance, his twitter comments about the Diana Beard/Iain Watters issue - I thought that it was a mistake to crown him winner and that, as I had thought at the time, James should have won. But going back and re-watching the final, if you accept that it's based on that weekend's performance rather than a compendium of efforts over the season - John WAS the winner.

John suffers from depression, as he has made public. In fact, a large number of contestants over the years have admitted to suffering from depression (that could be it's own thread). But they have never made it about the show, as he did, and have managed to not act out in public.

During the show, I was amused by his outfits, which featured more and more skin as the season went on. I'm not sure who he thought he would influence sexually, which it looked like he was subtly playing at.

Generally he was a sweet innocent guy. I feel bad for him. He's right that they should offer more support with the aftermath. I hope he's happier now.

There was always something about Brendan that bothered me and I wasn't able to pinpoint it. He was really talented. Reading all the comments here, I see now that it was that slight nastiness I was sensing. Odd for a Buddhist I would think.

John got his degree between the filming of Bake-Off (early summer) and its broadcast in the autumn, as it was noted in the end of series montage, so if he dropped out and then joined a different law school, it all happened over a pretty short period of time.

John seems like he would always be a neurotic little thing, with or without Bake-Off. All the show did was exacerbate pre-existing issues.

I don't know John Brandon James Nadiya Tamal.

What is Peter doing these days, who is he banging, and where are good pictures?

r476 What's a tezzer?

How soon we've forgotten Steven, who got to fuck Russell Tovey.

Say what you will about the show, but no one can deny it's quite gay-friendly!

Tom Hetherington. Apparently his twin brother was killed in action in Afghanistan.

R484 Russell is the top, he is far too butch and straight living to ever ever bottom.

It could just be that Tovey paid Steven to make a cake modeled on Tovey's dog. Steven doesn't seem to be his type judging by his porn boyfriend.

Frankly, I'd rather have Steven than Tovey, but that's just me.

That was a great season for the boys - Steven and Tom.

Dave does not have a small butt.

Brendan Lynch. That year 2 of the 3 finalists were gay.

Seeing John's mom and sister on the interview, I really felt sorry for him, as they took the whole baking thing as a joke. They uttered not one word of support, but mom was disappointed in him for not pursuing law. She even said that they thought he would be out after a couple episodes. Then she said she couldn't think of anything he had ever won. His sister joked that if he won it would be the first time they would ever be proud of him. They were cunts.

R491

That was cruel. I wonder if it was manipulated through editing because it's odd that John left law school the first time to move back closer to his family. That type of treatment leads to the depression that John talks about, I would think.

Steven has also spoken about depression and low self esteem. This is what his father had to say after his success on GBBO: Mr James, a retired builder, split from his ex 30 years ago and rarely speaks to his son, who has won Star Baker in the first two programmes on Channel 4. He added: “I’m not really that interested. I don’t watch Bake Off. I would have been much more interested if he had joined the military or was a lorry driver.”

Parents.

As I mentioned before, a high number of participants in GBBO have discussed suffering from depression. It could just be that more people than ever are either experiencing it, talking about it, or being treated for it. Or there's some self-selecting group - bakers - that suffer from depression in disproportionate numbers. Maybe creative people?

Tom Hetherington talked a bit about his challenge with anxiety (and fighting it) on his instagram.

I was watching the finale at my boyfriend's house the day after Thanksgiving. He has never seen one second of this show and he walked into the room when they were showing Dave and instantly said, "Damn, he's got a big ass!"

I thought Dave was much cuter than Peter, and more consistent, but I can see why they gave it to Peter.

It does seem like each week they are only judging on the Showstopper. Why even have the other rounds?

Also, I like Prue better than Mary Berry. Sorry.

R494 I feel the same way all around. I suppose I like Pru as much as Mary Berry, yet I did enjoy Mary’s demonstrations of her challenges (like the Swedish Pricess cake). She really is a very telegenic person, like Pru.

R492, when John won the finale, one would think that his mother and sister would be among the first to congratulate him after the hosts and judges. Neither was seen. The only shot was his mother with her hand over her mouth.

R485, we have to add Ruby, Brendan, Andrew, John, and Tamal to that list.

From Variety:

Look back on ten years of the show.

Pru gets vaccine

Catching up on series 7. I was crushing on Henry until he said he doesn’t like spicy food. WHAT!? That won’t do.

Christmas Bake-off