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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Great British Bake Off debut hit with Ofcom complaints as viewers are left divided

The Great British Bake Off was back with a baking bang on Tuesday night.

The Channel 4 favourite finally returned to screens after filming was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

And there were a few fans who were left disgruntled after the show was pushed back by 15 minutes as Boris Johnson made an addresses to the nation.

But that isn't the only thing that appears to have upset viewers with the debut episode of the series already receiving a number of complaints.

Ofcom confirmed to the M.E.N that 181 complaints about last night's GBBO return - with the "vast majority" referring to a sketch mimicking the Prime Minister's recent press conferences.

The parody - which can be viewed at the top of the article - saw new host Matt Lucas dress as the PM, delivering a speech in front of a podium which said: "Stay Alert, Bake Cake, Save Loaves."

And instead of medical and scientific advisors, he was joined by judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood and took questions from co-host Noel Fielding.

The Little Britain star, 46, said "Good evening, let's get straight to it.

"We are now approaching phase 46 which means that from Tuesday morning or Wednesday evening, depending on your height, we are saying, with regards to baking, that if you must bake in a tent, bake in a tent, but please don’t bake in a tent…"

Matt Lucas mimicked the Prime Minister in the series opener (Channel 4)

He also joked: "We are asking people to use common sense with regards to the distribution of the hundreds and thousands."

And while some complaints have been made, others took to Twitter to praise the move.

"BEST. SERIES OPENING. EVER," one simply praised.

Another said: "I think Matt Lucas has just absolutely made 2020."

"In an incredible turn of events, #bakeoff @BritishBakeOff opened with matt lucas as bojo and I've fallen even more in love with the show and @Channel4," added a third.

A fourth also said: "That opening for #GBBO by #mattlucas was so hilariously perfect. Been waiting for #BakeOff all day and it's started fabulously."

Great British Bake Off 2020: Meet the contestants

But it wasn't all positive.

"Dear God, #BakeOff, what were you thinking? Can't you imagine how anyone with family or friends suffering from Covid must feel looking at that insensitive opening?" wrote one.

Another said: "Simply not funny this time around and poor taste #switchingoff."

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

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