The biggest Great British Bake Off controversy is widely considered to be the infamous "Baked Alaska fiasco" from Series 5, which sparked a massive public outcry and accusations of sabotage among viewers.
The Infamous Baked Alaska Fiasco
The incident occurred during the dessert week of Series 5 (2014) when contestant Iain Watters' Baked Alaska was removed from the freezer by fellow contestant Diana Beard. The showstopper challenge required the contestants to create a Baked Alaska, which relies on a frozen core. Diana, seeing Iain's dessert occupying space, temporarily removed it from the freezer to make room for her own, believing it was too full.
When Iain returned to find his dessert melted and ruined, he was understandably distressed. In a fit of frustration, he threw his creation into a bin, presenting only the bin to the judges. This led to his elimination from the competition.
Key aspects of the controversy:
- Accusations of Sabotage: Many viewers accused Diana of intentionally sabotaging Iain's bake, though the show maintained it was an innocent mistake.
- Public Outcry: Social media erupted with #JusticeForIain and accusations against Diana, highlighting the passionate fan base of the show.
- Editing Criticism: The show's editing was also scrutinized, with some suggesting it was deliberately presented to heighten the drama and portray Diana negatively.
While the incident was ultimately deemed accidental by the show's producers and cast, its impact on the fan base and the extensive media coverage it received cemented its place as one of the most memorable and contentious moments in Bake Off history.
Other Notable Great British Bake Off Controversies
Beyond the Baked Alaska incident, the show has seen its share of other contentious moments and significant changes that have stirred discussion among fans.
The Channel 4 Change-Up
Perhaps the biggest controversy outside of the tent's baking mishaps was the show's move from BBC One to Channel 4 in 2017. This dramatic shift came after Love Productions, the company behind Bake Off, signed a lucrative deal with Channel 4.
- Fan Reaction: Many viewers were upset by the move, fearing it would change the beloved format and feel of the show.
- Departures: The transition saw the departure of much-loved judge Mary Berry and presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, who chose to remain with the BBC out of loyalty, further fueling fan disappointment. Only Paul Hollywood moved with the show to Channel 4.
Prue Leith's Premature Announcement
In 2017, new judge Prue Leith accidentally revealed the winner of The Great British Bake Off hours before the final episode aired. Leith, who was in Bhutan at the time, mistakenly tweeted the name of the winner, citing a time zone error. This major spoiler understandably caused widespread frustration among fans eagerly awaiting the finale.
Custardgate
An earlier, yet still remembered, controversy known as "Custardgate" occurred in Series 4 (2013). This involved contestant Deborah Manger mistakenly using fellow baker Howard Middleton's custard instead of her own during a trifle challenge. Howard, known for his calm demeanor, took the error in good spirits despite Deborah's distress. While less dramatic than the Baked Alaska incident, it highlighted the pressures of the competition and the potential for innocent mix-ups.
Noel Fielding's Fridge Antics
More recently, presenter Noel Fielding drew criticism for an unconventional moment during a technical challenge in 2017 where he appeared to be hiding in a fridge. While intended as a lighthearted joke, some viewers found it inappropriate and potentially influential given the show's family-friendly audience.
Summary of Key Controversies
To provide a clear overview, here's a table summarizing some of the most significant Great British Bake Off controversies:
| Controversy | Season/Year | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baked Alaska Fiasco | Series 5 (2014) | Iain Watters' Baked Alaska melted after being removed from the freezer by Diana Beard, leading to his elimination and accusations of sabotage. | Massive public outcry, social media storm, allegations of unfairness and manipulation. |
| Channel 4 Change-Up | 2017 | The show moved from BBC One to Channel 4, resulting in the departure of key cast members. | Fan disappointment, debate over the show's future, changes to the presenting line-up. |
| Prue Leith's Premature Announcement | 2017 | Judge Prue Leith accidentally tweeted the winner hours before the final aired due to a time zone error. | Widespread frustration among fans due to the major spoiler. |
| Custardgate | Series 4 (2013) | Deborah Manger mistakenly used Howard Middleton's custard. | Minor but memorable incident highlighting competition pressure. |
| Noel Fielding's Fridge Antics | Series 8 (2017) | Presenter Noel Fielding hid in a fridge as a joke during a challenge. | Mixed reactions, some viewers found it inappropriate. |
While incidents like "Custardgate" and Noel Fielding's fridge antic were minor in comparison, the "Baked Alaska fiasco" stands out for its intense viewer reaction and the accusations of deliberate wrongdoing, making it the most impactful in-tent controversy. The Channel 4 move, however, represents the biggest shift for the show's overall format and production.
