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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Kirsty McCormack

Bake Off sends first contestant home as Paul Hollywood slams 'overbaked' showstopper

The Great British Bake Off returned to TV screens on Tuesday night and one contestant has already left the competition.

Former charity director Will was the first of the batch to be given the boot as a fresh group of amateur bakers were put to the test in cake week.

The opening episode of the Channel 4 show saw the 12 contestants tasked with baking 12 signature mini sandwich cakes, a classic red velvet technical and a home-inspired showstopper.

Will, 45, from London, became the first to leave the series after failing to impress judges Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith with his ginger and caramel square signature and his final bake which recreated his former north London flat.

Great British Bake Off contestant Will was the first person to be eliminated from the 2022 series (Channel 4)

After cutting the cake, Paul was seen prodding it before telling Will: "You've overbaked every one!"

Will looked absolutely gutted as Paul and Prue had a taste of his creation.

"I think the chocolate could have been a bit more punchy. Love the orange but it comes down to the bake," Paul then told him.

Will nodded in agreement and sadly he was sent home first while Janusz was declared Star Baker.

GBBO judge Paul Hollywood told Will that he had 'overbaked' his showstopper cake (Channel 4)

Following his exit, Will said: “Someone’s got to go first and obviously I’m disappointed but I’m proud to have made it.

“There’s a lovely bunch of people I’ve met and I’ve got an experience that I can definitely talk about and share. I’m proud of that.”

Janusz, 34, from Brighton, was the first to be awarded the coveted star baker title after impressing the judges with his Polish-inspired mini cakes and his extravagantly decorated showstopper of his mother’s flat and its colourful floral balcony.

Will was comforted by the rest of the contestants upon hearing the news (Channel 4)

After winning he said that receiving the title for cake week meant “everything to him”.

The contestants were first challenged to create 12 identical mini sandwich cakes, with whatever sponge, flavours and fillings they desired, within two hours.

Dame Prue admitted that it appeared like “quite a simple challenge”, but said what they were looking for is “a bit of originality”.

Personal assistant Janusz was awarded the title of Star Baker in week one (Channel 4)

Personal assistant Janusz took inspiration from his Polish heritage for his bake which combined pistachio and cherry vodka liqueur to create his wuzetka bake.

Dame Prue said it was “light and boozy” which to her was “perfect”, while Hollywood felt there was too much of an alcoholic flavour for him.

The Great British Bake Off continues at 8pm on Tuesdays on Channel 4.

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