Bake Off boss announces big change to show after furious backlash

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Bake Off boss announces big change to show after furious backlash
Bake Off boss announces big change to show after furious backlash

The Great British Bake Off boss has shared a big change to the show following previous backlash.

It has been revealed that there will no longer be national-themed weeks after the show came under fire and was accused of cultural appropriation. Mexican Week aired on the hit programme last year which saw the hosts at the time, Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding, wear ponchos and sombreros while holding maracas.

The pair went on to make puns as they talked about not being able to make "Juan" joke about Mexico. Noel said: "I don't feel like we should make Mexican jokes, because people will get upset," when Matt asked: "Not even Juan?"

However, many viewers weren't happy with the segment causing it to now be scrapped. Speaking in an interview with The Guardian, Executive producer Kieran Smith 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.

Bake Off boss announces big change to show after furious backlash rridzziqddidqrinvThe segment has been removed (Channel 4)

"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."

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Paul Hollywood spoke up in December last year as he said he was "gutted" by the backlash as he "loves" Mexico. He said: "I'd literally come back from Mexico about three weeks before we filmed the episode.

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"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. 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."

Meanwhile, fellow judge Prue Leith explained that the team "never go out to be controversial" and that it was an "unfortunate" situation.

Viewers can expect another big change when the 13th series starts airing as Alison Hammond is joining the cast as an all-new host.

The Great British Bake Off kicks off this autumn on Channel 4

Charlotte Everett

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