Yahoo News The Great British Bake Off sparks over 200 Ofcom complaints after Matt Lucas’ Boris Johnson sketch
Ofcom have confirmed they received over 200 complaints regarding the opening of The Great British Bake Off.
The latest series of the competition saw new host Matt Lucas make his debut dressed as Boris Johnson.
With judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith working as his “special advisors”, Lucas spoke to co-host Noel Fielding on how to correctly pronounce scone in a clear parody of the government’s daily briefings.
However, the comedic sketch clearly struck a nerve with some viewers, who took to the broadcasting watchdog to complain about the show’s opener.
A spokesperson told the Evening Standard they had received 202 complaints in regards to the opening scenes.
“We are assessing these complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate,” they added.
Lucas, who went viral a few months previously for his impression of Prime Minister Johnson, put a baking spin on a new set of jokes relating to lockdown.
“Let’s get straight to it,’ he said behind the slogan: "Stay alert. Protect cake. Save loaves.
“If you must bake in a tent, then bake in a tent, but please don’t bake in a tent. And we are asking people to use common sense with regards to the distribution of hundreds and thousands.”
Lucas replaced previous host Sandi Toksvig, who left the show last year, and has already been exposed to major baking drama after Sura sent Dave’s cakes flying while trying to swat a fly during the technical challenge.
Purely coincidentally, the first episode of the new series was delayed by 15 minutes as the Prime Minister chose to address the nation about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Johnson outlined new rules and restrictions, including a 10pm curfew on businesses, as coronavirus cases continue to rise across the country.
The Great British Bake Off airs Tuesdays at 8pm on Channel 4
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