Spectators were left disappointed after one baker’s farewell from the competition
Viewers were devastated when Paul and Prue chose their first elimination (Image: Channel 4)
As the great British Cookie Off returned to our screens, viewers were left devastated after the first contestant was sent home.
12 young bakers entered the iconic tent ready to compete over ten weeks for the coveted GBBO cake stand and the crowning glory of being crowned Ultimate Star Baker.
The main theme will change each episode. Previous years have featured chocolate week, bread week, and pastry week. However, the three challenges will remain the same: signature, technical, and show sponsor.
During Tuesday’s (September 2) payment, the bakers were presented with some tricky challenges set by the judges during the first week of competition.
First, they were expected to create a patterned Swiss roll before moving on to the technical one where they were tasked with making fondant fondants. However, in a twist, they were given more ingredients than they needed and it was an example of trying to figure out how to make one.
Meanwhile, the show’s creator was make or break for some contestants because they were tasked with a landscape cake.
In the end, it was Natalia who won the star baker award for the first episode after her cake for the Ukrainian landscape was won over by the judges.
Hassan, on the other hand, bid farewell to the tent as his three cookies failed to live up to the judges’ expectations. After his Swiss roll was called “slop” and his fondant concoctions were not up to scratch, not even his showrunner could save him from elimination.
Hassan was the first to say goodbye (Image: Channel 4)
A chemistry graduate, Hassan lives with his mother in South Yorkshire. He works in the pharmaceutical industry, testing new drugs in their development stages.
With a love of sweet treats inspired by his Pakistani heritage, he is particularly fond of praline and nut-based flavors that echo traditional Asian sweets. Outside of the lab and kitchen, he is a devoted gamer, gym goer, and regularly meets for quizzes with his mates.
Making himself a fan favorite in the short time he was in the tent, viewers rushed to social media to share their heartbreak over the decision.
On X (formerly known as Twitter), @skyhighshoes wrote: “Big mistake sending Hassan home so early.. that man is comedy gold!!!” As @allie_thomas_94 added: “Awww Hassan….. I mean…. he wasn’t great but we deserve a couple more episodes for him”
@Wandoful echoed: “Justice for Hassan. I feel like he had such potential and personality that shone through immediately. It took you a week to get over this loss,” as @Melisaks87 Penned: “We lost Hassan too soon.”
