Great British Bake Off makes massive change after last year's controversy

01 September 2023 , 16:44

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Great British Bake Off makes massive change after last year's controversy

This year's season of the Great British Bake Off will see a substantial change - no longer featuring weeks centred around nationalities of countries.

It follows on after widespread criticism of last year's "Mexican Week" - which saw the Channel 4 show accused of using "racist stereotypes" as well as the alleged "misidentification of Mexican food". When the coveted food competition makes its grand return later this month for its 13th season, the format will no longer see national-themed weeks.

Backlash was also received for the show's 'Japan Week' of 2020, and 'German Week' of 2021 - with producers finally pulling the plug on the concept following the most recent 'Mexican Week' last year. The episode itself saw hosts Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding don sombreros and sarapes - while cracking jokes and shaking maracas in animated fashion. Noel said: "I don't feel like we should make Mexican jokes, because people will get upset," with Matt responding: "Not even Juan?"

GBBO will no longer be doing weeks themed on nationality (Channel 4 / Love Productions / Mark Bourdillon)

Viewers would take to social media to dub the skit as a 'mistake', 'racist' and 'tacky', while cultural experts explained that the move signified 'a lack of interest and poor information' about other parts and people of the world.

Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood would afterwards address the accusations and backlash, citing how he was "gutted" as he "loves" Mexico. He explained: "I'd literally come back from Mexico about three weeks before we filmed the episode. I spent a month over there with Mexican chefs, working with tacos and enjoying the food in Tijuana and Mexico City and Oaxaca and Cancun.

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"I was all over the place, and we set the challenges based on what I'd seen there, the challenges were very good, and everyone did a good job. I was gutted. I mean, I was really upset about it."

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Fellow judge Prue Leith also explained how the team "never go out to be controversial", adding that it was "quite unfortunate" that a number of people took offence. She added: "As Paul says, the thing about Bake Off is that it absolutely represents inclusivity and diversity and tolerance and togetherness. I don't want to sound sentimental, but the fact is that the vibe of Bake Off is entirely cooperative and encouraging – so the idea that we were set out to insult anybody is ridiculous."

Now, speaking in an interview with The Guardian ahead of the new series, Executive producer Kieran Smith has explained the changes that viewers can expect to see going forward. He said: "I hold my hands up to the cooking complaint and the theme weeks. We didn’t want to offend anyone but the world has changed and the joke fell flat. We’re not doing any national themes this year."

Speaking on other changes, he added: "We’re going very traditional. We’re doing all the regular weeks: Cakes, Biscuits, Bread, Patisserie, Chocolate, plus Party Cakes is a new theme. No spoilers, but it features challenges I think viewers will love."

Alison Hammond will also replace Lucas in the new season, teaming up with Fielding who has stayed on board to present the show. Leith and Hollywood will also return as judges.

Aaron Morris