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?

I've just watched the Extra Slice (recorded it) - is it just me, or was their a weird vibe to the whole thing? Who is that Joel character? I've never heard of him (and I didn't like him)

I didn't know who Joel was. Apparently he's a stand-up comedian who's appeared in amongst other things Skins, I'm a Celebrity, and a show discussing Made in Chelsea.

Thought Benoit Blin initially looked slightly dazed in a "What did I sign up to" way.

He must be in his 20's or 30's My DH had seen him before and thought He was straight. Who of that age thinks 'Oh let's pretend to fancy men- that's so funny and out there'? He'd also had too much tooth whitening.

Yes re tooth whitening and lots of crossed arms showing off biceps

Also Jo looks like she can't be bothered either. It's maybe time for a refresh of the format of the extra show?

WaxOnFeckOff That's Jo's normal demeanour though.

In defence of Steven, he really isn't boring in real life. I think he is concentrating really hard and the way he is being edited isn't doing him any favours. He is one of the loveliest, funniest and warm people I know (he also has a filthy sense of humour so maybe not for family viewing )

Nah, I don't mean her normal :o, I've watched it for years, it just looked like she'd had enough.

That's nice to know mooncup. He certainly puts his all into he competition.

I like all of th finalists - I don't mind who wins (though I think Kate, though lovely, is the least deserving)

I’m sorry but how is this in the semi final?

Kate should not be there over Yan and Liam.

AgreeCream

That was the first Extra Slice I've watched in the new format and thought it was awful - so unfunny and full of canned laughter. Joel was crap. I know he did a sex tape with a woman but maybe he's bi? In any case I didn't like his comments about Steven and I was a bit when Stacey said she didn't make any cakes in pink at home despite it being her favourite colour, just because she has three boys.

But it was nice to look at the gorgeous Benoit!

it was nice to look at the gorgeous Benoit!

Who looked as though he thought that he had died and woken up in the Seventh Circle of Hell!

Poor lad!

Extra Slice is getting more cringey by the week. Stacey coming out with the oven door.. 'oh no! I've broken the oven again!'

Ha bloody ha . My dd (easily entertained) even shot me a 'wtf?' look.

I think they should change the rules so you serve what you bake instead of chucking it in the bin like Marie Antoinette and starting again.

That would be interesting Floella. I'm fairly sure Stacey started something over again at least once every week!

I really like Steven. I think he’s just trying really, really hard. I suspect Sophie might win though. She’s cool as ice. Poor Noel crying this week. It’s very intense.

She’s too cool, I think. And that’s why I doubt she’ll win, because she doesn’t have that ‘one of us’ marketing persona.

Candice obviously looked like the most 'marketable' last year. However, when I've seen her on TV she's quite awkward to watch. She doesn't seem to be a natural in front of the cameras.

Nadia is totally the other way. She has a wonderful TV persona. I could watch her all day.

So I don't think you can really tell. Sophie may seem quiet but that could be because she puts so much effort into her bakes that she's just not getting her personality out there. I also don't think she 'needs' or would court any celebrity status. She's just being herself.. and I like that.

But she’s lacking in warmth and friendliness of other winners. Both her and Steven are roughly the same in terms of talent to me but Prue and Paul are both savvy enough to know that good P.R is a key part of the Bake Off machine. I do appreciate the nature of TV editing, however, and Sophie might well be different irl.

I don't think any off the Showstoppers this series would stop a show. Paul and Pru must be having to draw on all their acting and lying skills when they chunter on about the high standard this year and most difficult decision and all that buffoonery.

Obviously I have no idea of Sophie's military history but I would imagine once you've been in the army and if you're now training to be a stuntperson, not much fazes you. So she's not going to get all flappy about some baking unlike Stacey.

Interesting that Sandi said something similar on extra slice about Sophie being shot at by the taliban so wasn’t fazed by a baking challenge.

I think they should change the rules so you serve what you bake instead of chucking it in the bin like Marie Antoinette and starting again.
I agree.
This is the first series I've watched and hadn't guessed they provided enough ingredients to do that!

Ref. Extra Slice I agree about that over teeth whitened, bicep flaunting bloke (was he a comedian?) that wasn't obvious.

I loved that M. Benoit , OMG he 's so brilliant and that conversation about bollox!! I was laughing out loud!

Jo's personality is bit can't be bothered. She's great.

I like Sophie (my forecast is that she'll win) she's a calm person opposed to the flapping Stacey, Yes she was only SB because the others were crap in that episode.