GBBO - opinions?

[yawning801]

What are people's opinions on the new Bake Off so far? And yes, I know we're only a few minutes in. IMO the new presenters feel a bit like they're trying a little too hard to be Mel and Sue.

Opinions?

Definitely prefer the new format!

Sorry but for me, Mary, Mel and Sue were all getting very twee.

Never was a great fan of Sandi or Noel before but have completely changed my opinion now. Pru I think is excellent and, to be fair, I always really liked Paul and feel he too secretly prefers the new lineup.

I do like it - but I hope that they don't go down the route of making every showstopper bake an illusion/sculpture - so far we have had an illusion cake, a biscuit board game and a bread sculpture - it all seems a bit same-y to me. Other series of GBBO have had more imagination or scope with their showstoppers.

I loved it when Prue told Paul to pull himself together over his reaction to Julia's phallic snail - she was just like my headmistress

Sandi and Noel just don't seem to forging relationships with the bakers. It all feels a bit sterile somehow. Prue and Paul are good at creating instant connections with the contestants - S & N aren't. They're don't seem to be particularly interested in the individual bakers' stories.

I also feel the showstopper challenge is too gimmicky at the expense of the baking skills. I thought the board game was just silly and didn't really show off the bakers' expertise (excepting James), and last night's bread one was a bit flat too. I'd like to see less emphasis on colours and strange shapes and more on the actual baking.

Noel seems very sweet with the contestants Twitter Sandie not so much but of course there's only so much time with so many contestants, the editor must find it tricky to give a fair flavour! It'll probably improve as the numbers fall.

I was thinking that it's quite a good mix of basics and 'showstopper" actually, teacakes, cottage loaf and showstopper . Very fair.

The biscuit games were smashing for something different for a children's party.

I have been big fans of both Noel and Sandi before now, but I wasn't sure whether Noel would work on Bake Off. GBBO meets the Mighty Boosh was not a combination I had ever anticipated seeing before. However, he really pulls it of amazingly. I love it when he subtly slips in some more Boosh style humour and the contestants look momentarily perplexed. He is strangely refreshing, floating about the place looking just a little out of kilter. Sandi can do no wrong in my eyes. She is a goddess!

My only worry is that Steven is clearly an amazing baker. Unless he collapses terribly I can't see how anyone else will win. For me it has now become more about who stays on and comes second then who actually wins in that respect...and of course the general joy of awesome baking.

Yes I agree Bigly But I thought Julia came through well. I loved that she used rye flour. Hopefully she'll continue as competition to Steven

Julia is just adorable and so talented. She really seems to be gaining confidence as the season progresses. I would love it if she really gave Steven a run for his money.

I really like Julia. She's keen and original, and a little bit nuts. I like her expressive face. Steven is boring. It'd be dullsville if he won.

I love the chap who made the owl and 'a couple of 'edge 'ogs' – he's so sweet and laid-back – but I don't think he'll get all that far.

I also love the Hackney guy, partly because he is not in the slightest bit intimidated by Paul Hollywood, but he's right; he needs to raise his game or he's out.

Sandi is fine and Noel is warming up; he still looks a bit nervous presenting, but he is quite funny and sweet with the bakers, although I just don't always get his humour.

I wish they would cut out that twee bit at the beginning. They sound like they are reading from a script without any understanding of the words.

Mel and Sue had a much more natural way of presenting. To me Noel and Sandi can't make up their mind if, 'It is all a bit beneath them' or are feeling 'out of their comfort zone'.

I thought that the balloon bit in the first episode was weird, but the Hovis Advert spoof was quite funny and clever. I know what you mean Peral but I think perhaps Sandie is out her comfort zone. Maybe not for Noel though.

To be honest I have always found those bits pretty awkward in all the series, so haven't noticed any difference there. Really not my sort of thing, but then GBBO is not the sort of TV I would usually watch, I just became inexplicably addicted to it a few years ago much to my Dh's amusement. I have come to find the unfunny comedy bits sort of endearing in a cringe worthy fashion.

It's funny Bigly Dh is also amused by my addiction but whenever he sits and watches it with me he loves it. He wouldn't admit it though

I actually love Noel so am glued to this series

Loved Neil playing the cups, was he meant to break one?

It's early in the competition but I like Julia!

I really am loving Noel and Sandi!

Hooray it's on tonight!

Thanks for the reminder. I going to grab a coffee and biccies and watch now. I am justifying watching tv this early, as it am educational
programme

I really like the new presenters. I'm enjoying it.

Where is everybody? Is there another thread going somewhere?

I'm loving Caramel week!!

Igneo I was just thinking the same!

I want some of that peanut butter shortbread. Liam might be my favourite now.

I actually like the new presenters and format but I don't particularly like any of the contestants- I would rate this series as the worst contestants

I'm really like Noel.