I was an avid viewer of GBBO on BBC, and wasn't sure I'd watch it on C4, but it's so much better!
Whilst I always loved it, I absolutely cannot stand Mel, and she used to make me cringe. Mary has had an excellent career and is very knowledgeable and talented, but I find her quite standoffish and I don't really get the love for her that so many people have. I've never been very fond of Paul, but I really used to like Sue.
When I heard who was going to on the C4 version, I was so annoyed, as I've always liked Sandi, but have never been able to stand Noel or Prue - and then of course there's Paul who I'm not fond of.
I decided to give it a go, as I only liked 1 out of 4 of the original cast, so the odds hadn't actually changed for me, despite the change in cast.
Straightaway I loved Sandi, and really liked Prue's energy and rapport with contestants and cast, and I warmed to her very quickly. I think she is miles better than Mary. I even prefer Paul now, as with Prue, as I think their energies are better suited, and I also think she'd tell him to fuck off if he got too up himself. It no longer seems like a mother and son type relationship, which I couldn't stand before. As for Noel, I can't bear any of his 'comedies,' or when he has been on comedy panel shows, but I like him on GBBO, and I even laughed at some of the things he said.
Sandi was hilarious last night when she was eating the chocolate and the contestant said it was like chocolate and sex. Sandi replied straightaway that she definitely didn't get sex from it, as she was looking at him! She then said something about the chocolate being delicious and that maybe she could 'turn' for him. I've probably re-told that in a really shit way, but it was so funny, and I had to pause it and rewind, hear it again, pause and laugh more, then I moved on with the show.
No Mel, I certainly don't miss you with your unfunny accents and 'humour' and stupid face pulling.