Bake Off backlash erupts minutes in as show launches unexpected new challenge

Great British Bake Off fans were left fuming just minutes into the latest episode after the show unveiled a brand-new "Meringue Week" - a first in the programme's history. As the remaining contestants took their places in the famous white tent, hosts Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond announced that, for the first time ever, bakers would be tackling all things meringue - from tarts and soufflés to an ice cream cake showstopper. The show's official social media account teased: "In an egg-ceptional Bake Off first, it's Meringue Week, and the bakers whisk up tarts, soufflés and ice cream cake.

"Who can keep their cool? Whose soufflé will be in disarray?" Noel told viewers the new theme was chosen "due to public demand," but that claim didn't quite sit right with fans watching at home. One unimpressed viewer fumed: "Who in the hell voted for Meringue Week? What poll was this? Not thrilled tbh! So many other exciting things they could have done."

Another slammed the claim entirely, writing: "Definitely wasn't public demand," while a third added: "Pretty sure the public never asked for this."

Others begged for the return of more traditional challenges, with one saying: "Bring back Bread Week. Nobody asked for this."

But not everyone was whisked into a rage - a few fans celebrated the sugary twist. One delighted viewer posted: "I'll put up with Meringue Week if #GBBO brings back Bread Week."

Another shared a picture of their own dessert, writing: "Just polished off some delicious meringue nests in honour of the first ever Meringue Week."

Another declared: "MERINGUE WEEK?! Hell YES!" It is the second new theme of the season - after back-to-school week in September served up plenty of cake and custard.

For the second time this season, The Great British Bake Off unveiled a twist to the technical challenge. The bakers had a staggered start and finish for making the soufflé.

After the reveal of the technical challenge twist, one viewer wrote: "The staggered technical is so unnecessary I don't get it." Another echoed: "Frightening staggered start. What cruelty will they come up with next?"

One viewer was not a fan of them having to make soufflés declaring them "pretentious" food. Another described the challenge as "cruel".

Iain reigned supreme on the first challenge, when he was tasked to make "four perfectly risen souffles"

Lesley was eventually next to be booted off the series, leaving five contestants all bidding for the coveted win.

Fans were sad to see her go.

"Lesley we love youWill miss seeing you on the TV every week the delight that you are," one fan gushed.

Another penned: "Not me crying cos Lesley left the tent," and "gutted for Lesley but the right decision. until next week y'all".