Most iconic Great British Bake Off moments ever from Bingate to stolen custard

26 September 2023 , 18:30

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The Great British Bake Off is back on screens, and which will delight the show's legions of fans considering it has gripped the nation since it first aired in 2010.

But aside from its fair share of show-stopping baked goods, the famous tent has also played host to many dramatic moments and hilarious scenes. From accusations of sabotage to silly mistakes and heartwarming words, let’s take a look back at some of GBBO's most iconic moments.

Shop-bought fondant

It was utterly scandalous in series five when baker Enwezor Nzegwu reluctantly admited that his fondant was *Shock! Horror!* bought from a shop. Judge Mary Berry fixed him with a withering stare, revealing her deep disappointment, and unsuprisingly no contestant has ever made that mistake again.

Bingate

Iain throw his Baked Alaska straight in the bin (Supplied by WENN)

This shocking drama happened in series five of the show when Iain Watter’s ice cream for his Baked Alaska was removed from the freezer prematurely by fellow contestant Diana Beard to make way for her creation. When he removed the tin case around it to show his judges his work the dessert slid out of shape. This prompted Iain to unceremoniously dump it straight in the bin. Since the episode aired Iain has been quick to defend Diana’s actions as bad editing, explaining that she only removed it for a minute and the baking failure was down to him. Still, it made for priceless television.

Pineapple cakes go upside down

Sura knocked rival baker Dave's cakes onto the floor (Channel 4)

An episode of Bake Off in 2020 descended into chaos when a fly appeared in the tent. As the bakers were putting their cakes on the judging table Sura Selvarajah swatted away a fly, and accidentally knocked Dave Friday’s upside down pineapple cakes upside down onto the floor. Sura was reduced to tears at her mistake, but thankfully one of Dave’s cakes was still standing strong to be judged by Paul and Prue.

GBBO's Prue Leith shares the big question all fans ask her about Channel 4 hit

John's salty cake

John Waite won the 2012 series, and went on to win the nation's heart in the process. However, he certainly didn't win a Paul Hollywood handshake the day he accidentally fed the judges a cake which he had added salt to instead of sugar. It was a salty move, but a sweet treat for viewers back home when they saw the judges faces.

Custardgate

Mixed up custards caused big drama in the tent (Channel 4)

Another Bake Off disaster that set Twitter alight was when Deborah Manger accidentally used Howard Middleton’s custard from the fridge for her trifle in the 2013 series. The embarrassed baker labelled her creation "Deborah's Tropical Trifle with Howard's Custard". According to judges Howard’s custard had a much better consistency, and although Deborah was visibly upset at her error there were no hard feelings between the pair.

Nadiya's victory speech

Nadiya's winning speech was very moving (BBC)

When Nadiya Hussain won the 2015 series, the much-loved baker gave a very emotional speech which will go down in Bake Off history. The Luton-born mother told cameras, "It's weird because I'm never proud of myself, but I'm actually really proud of myself." People at home were reaching for the tissues.

Prue whips up a frenzy

On the day of The Great British Bake Off's season eight finale, many across the country were waiting patiently to find out which of their favourite's had won the hit show. That is until judge Prue Leith accidentally sent a tweet congratulating winner Sophie Faldo six hours before the finale aired. Eeek!

Carpet-covered dough

When Paul Hollywood showcased how to stretch the dough by hitting it against a chopping board, contestant Cathryn Dresser gave it a try and ended up lobbing her dough onto the carpeted floor. Although it was covered in dirt and hair, Cathryn gamely laughed off the disaster saying, “It’s got bits of carpet in it. I’m not serving Mary Berry green carpet.”

Bread Lion

Paul's lion bread was a true showstopper (GBBO)

Contestant Paul Jagger left viewers open mouthed in series six when he created his incredible lion showstopper. Titled 'King of the Jungle' the sculpture made entirely of bread was made in honour of Cecil the lion who was killed by American trophy hunter and dentist, Walter J. Palmer. Paul Hollywood described it as "one of the best things he has seen in bread ever."

Smashing winner

2018 winner Dr. Rahul Mandal delighted viewers and judges with his stellar bakes, but also served up a dollop of scandal when a glass jar exploded onto his edible rock garden due to extreme temperatures in the tent. The mortified baker explained, "Just literally the whole thing exploded. I don't want to use any of these as there could be glass." He had to start again, and was allocated an extra 15 minutes which was highly controversial according to some Twitter users.

Norman's exotic bake

Bake Off star Norman was a hit with fans (BBC)

Scottish baker Norman Calder from series five described himself as a traditional baker, and after being told by Paul Hollywood that his rolls were bland, he decided to ramp up the ante by adding "an exotic ingredient". What did he choose to knock the judges socks off? He added.... pesto. Viewers at home, many of which were no doubt tucking into the cupboard staple while watching the show, fell in the love with the baker during the hilarious moment.

Lee Mack's gloves

Lee Mack is a talented comedian but when it comes to baking he certainly deserves to get heckled. The Would I Lie To You star was thwarted in the task of cutting an apple, and ended up bleeding. This meant he had to wear a very unstylish blue glove during his stint in the tent on Celebrity Bake Off.

Paul Hollywood's handshakes

Paul Hollywood's handshakes are legendary (pixel8000)

Judge Paul Hollywood has become famed for showing his approval with a handshake, and it is the prize that many contestants covet almost as much as winning star baker. The move is now so iconic that last year it was reported that Channel 4 has actually trademarked the phrase "Hollywood Handshake", so watch this space!