The Great British Bake Off has been hit with Ofcom complaints after Paul Hollywood said rainbow bagels reminded him of the NHS.
The 54-year-old GBBO baker appeared to leave some fans frustrated after he failed to mention the rainbow flag link to the LGBTQ+ community.
According to the MailOnline, 18 viewers contacted the broadcast regulator following the baking show on Tuesday.
During the episode, Paul was discussing a pile of rainbow bagels that the contestants were expected to create for the Technical Challenge during bread week.
At one point, presenter Prue Leith turned to her co-star and said: "Paul, why rainbow coloured bagels?"
Paul replied: "I think bagels are a great challenge when you're making bread, you've got to boil them which is unusual and then bake them as well.
"I think the rainbow colours for me, although it originated over in the States, I think it represents the NHS."
Prue then added: "Well it does now."
Several viewers immediately took to social media to express their frustration with the statement.
"Making rainbow bagels on #bakeoff and Paul Hollywood reckons they make you think of the NHS. No Hun, those bagels are gay bagel" wrote one fan.
"Watched by millions of people. Paul didn't even a knowledge the significance of the rainbow flag to the gay community, he just said 'it originated in the states," penned another.
A third wrote: "when Paul Hollywood said rainbow bagels represent the NHS and not the LGBTQ+ community."
The rainbow flag stands to represent the LGBTQ+ community and is synonymous with pride and related social movements.
Originating in San Francisco, the symbol is now used worldwide and reflects the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.
The rainbow symbol has also become prevalent during the lockdown with people sharing images and pictures to show their support for the NHS.
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