Great British Bake Off praised as ‘a little slice of normality’ by viewers

Fans have praised The Great British Bake Off for offering “a little slice of normality” in the current climate.

The Channel 4 show returned on Tuesday with 12 new amateur bakers facing three increasingly difficult cake-themed challenges.

Little Britain star Matt Lucas also made his debut as co-host alongside Noel Fielding, replacing Sandi Toksvig in the famous Bake Off tent.

He kicked off the series with a skit mimicking Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s coronavirus briefings.

Fans were quick to celebrate the show’s return to TV screens.

One said: “I’m SO delighted Bake Off is back. It’s like a little slice of normality at the moment (& yes, I am choosing to ignore today’s actual news for a show about cake like a proper adult).”

A second added: “In the last 6 months I’ve not laughed as much as I did tonight.

“Whoever put this episode of #GBBO together deserves a bonus because I’ve not felt so much joy as I did watching tonight. I was crying with laughter at those #showstoppers.”

A third said: “That might just be the single best episode of bake off ever. Britain – we needed that.”

Lucas’ sketch, in which he donned a blonde wig and delivered a speech in front of Union Jack flags, also won praise.

One fan simply said: “LOVING Matt Lucas on Bake Off.”

Another said: “I didn’t think #BakeOff could get any better than it has been for the last 10 years but @RealMattLucas has made 10x more wonderful.”

A third commented: “@RealMattLucas you legend! Your opening skit was exactly what I needed after a stressful day!”

The Great British Bake Off continues on Channel 4.