Last night we settled down for week one of the 12 bakers battling it out in the tent, all of whom were hoping their three bakes would be enough to impress judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood.
Kicking off with an alternative rendition of Billy Ray Cyrus' 'Achy Breaky Heart' ("flaky, baky tart", was it?) featuring all four presenters and judges, it was an odd return of 'Bake Off' on Channel 4.
The fifth series since the baking competition changed hands from the BBC, it definitely seems that the reality show has been influenced by some relatively older baking trends (anti-gravity happened a while ago, guys), and other baking shows on a certain streaming service *cough* Netflix.
Introducing us to all 12 bakers for the new season, we already have a number of favourites we just know we're going to sob over when they eventually get kicked out of the tent. Maggie (Prue's double) is the frontrunner for fan-favourite this season with her ever-chipper attitude, while youngest baker Freya and her commentary was a joy to listen to. A special shout out goes to Lizzie too, for her total honesty ("I'm just slow"), and her and Noel's matching outfits.
For their first week in the tent, the bakers had to attempt to make a batch of mini rolls, followed by Prue's malt loaf recipe, with the final cherry on top being an anti-gravity illusion cake. There was nothing over-the-top amazing in the first episode in terms of baking skills, but the episode acted as a wholeheartedly enjoyable first introduction to the biggest characters of the season.
Here's how Twitter reacted to the return of 'Bake Off'.
Also, Paul Hollywood certainly deserved every bit of this for his ageist comment towards everyone's favourite judge, Prue.
Finally, there's always a causality, and the first baker to leave was 28-year-old Tom from Kent.
The 'Great British Bake Off' continues next Tuesday on Channel 4 at 8 pm. Week two will be all about biscuits. Catch up on any episodes you miss via the All4 app.
