Fans of the Great British Bake Off were left buzzing moments after the debut of its highly anticipated 2024 season. The show’s Barbie-themed introduction triggered a wave of reactions, with many viewers finding it to be an “unnecessary” and “bizarre” way to kick off the series.
Great British Bake Off 2024
With excitement soaring for the return of the beloved series, fans were keen to see the dynamic pairing of hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding alongside the iconic judging duo of Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood. However, the premiere took a surprising turn right from the start.
In an extravagant opening skit, Alison made a dramatic entrance dressed in a pink frock and sporting a blonde wig, reminiscent of the Barbie movie. She enthusiastically declared in an exaggerated American tone, “Ah, another delicious day in Bake Off Land.” Noel joined the fun in a matching pink outfit and blonde wig, greeting her with the line, “Hi Barbie Alison.”
The whimsical skit escalated as judges Paul and Prue made their appearances, dressed as Ken and “Weird Barbie,” respectively, engaging in a playful tussle over their Barbie identities.
Viewers Speak Out
Despite the show’s best efforts at humor, a significant segment of the audience was not amused. Social media quickly filled with criticisms, as one viewer remarked, “Well, I WAS going to watch #GBBO on +1. Managed about 6 seconds of that twat Fielding pretending to be #Barbie & switched off.” Others did not hold back, labeling the sketch as “cringe” and “bizarre.”
Some fans voiced a desire for a more straightforward approach. “I love Bake Off but do we really need the corny, crappy intros? Sorry but they are really cringy and unnecessary,” lamented one viewer on Instagram. Another echoed this sentiment, stating, “Bake Off doesn’t need all the rubbish at the beginning.”
Noel’s Barbie transformation even drew comments, with one viewer jokingly saying, “Noel I’m slightly uncomfortable that you look so great… lol,” while another quipped, “Noel is killing me with that look!”
On a brighter note, not every viewer reacted negatively. A few found themselves pleasantly surprised by the unexpected introduction. “I haven’t watched this show for years… but that Barbie intro really did make me giggle ngl #GBBO,” tweeted one fan.
There was particular praise for Prue’s portrayal of “weird Barbie,” with fans expressing their love for it. “I’m obsessed with Prue as weird Barbie! So perfect!” gushed one viewer, while another affirmed their all-encompassing affection for the show, saying, “I love this show from the second it starts to the final moment! I love all of these hosts as well each in their own special way! Don’t change a thing!”
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