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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Great British Bake Off fans question Paul Hollywood move as they question show format

There were more famous faces stepping into the equally famous tent on Tuesday night for another edition of Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer.

The charity spin-off of the Great British Bake Off has been back for a couple of weeks now and sees four stars swap their usual careers for a spot of baking while Channel 4 viewers urged to donate to the network's joint national fundraising campaign with Cancer Research UK.

But this week there was a major change to the format when host Matt Lucas had to step in and become a contestant at the eleventh hour. Fans have been used to seeing the Little Britain star presenting the show alongside Noel Fielding.

READ MORE: Alison Hammond stunned by Ranvir Singh comment before Dermot O'Leary mocks her live on air

He joined DJ Annie Mac, rapper Example and comedian Ed Gamble as he became the first host to ever bake in the tent after stepping in for Martine McCutcheon who pulled out of the show at the last minute. And speaking about his change in roles, Matt said: "I was forced to bake by my bosses at the last minute when one of the bakers became unavailable. I can’t tell you how happy I was that my humiliation was caught on camera."

The four celebrity bakers were tasked by Paul Hollywood and Prus Leith to make biscuits, donuts and a novelty cake inspired by the jobs they did before they were famous - including Matt being a babysitter and Example, whose real name is Elliot Gleave, worked in Australia as a landscape gardener.

But within the first part of the show fans were left questioning judge Paul as he made a controversial move. After stepping in to help out Matt as he tried to mix his biscuits together, Paul later gave the presenter-turned-baker one of his coveted 'Hollywood handshakes' despite Prue trying to bat his hand out of the way in disagreement.

Matt had to put his baking skills to the test (Channel 4)

And the moment divided GBBO viewers too.

@Craig_Geerthsen tweeted: "It counts… I count that… Hollywood handshake well done @RealMattLucas #GBBO."

While @EdwardJacksn said "Literally Boo'd Matt's handshake #gbbo."

"Nah not having that. That's like your dad telling you you've done a good job," Cathy Whyte said.

There was even a poll created by hand-iced biscuit company, Biscuiteers, who asked: "Does @RealMattLucas’s handshake count?#GBBO to which 39.6 percent said yes and the remaining 60.4 percent said no.

Matt is usually hosting alongside Noel (CHANNEL 4)

But away from the handshakes, viewers also wondered if it was time for a change in the format of the show.

@EdwardJacksn said: "Hold on if Noel Fielding is able to host by himself, why do we need two hosts for normal show? #bakeoff #GBBO."

"This episode of #GBBO is showing is that Noel can totally handle hosting by himself - just a thought for the next season…." @Padisla tweeted.

@turntheboxon argued: "Noel is SO much better presenting on his own #GBBO."

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