Great British Bake Off viewers fume over 'pointless' segment minutes into new series

Great British Bake Off fans had quite the surprise during Tuesday's show as it returned to Channel 4 with a splash of pink and an unexpected Barbie theme.

As the new series fired up, the familiar tent was transformed into a vibrant shade of pink, while host Alison Hammond made a captivating entrance donning a blonde wig and a matching outfit, embracing the "Bake Off Land" concept introduced in the opening segment.

Fans were quick to express their opinions on social media, with reactions varying from bemused to outright critical of the doll-inspired parody.

Twitter became the go-to place for viewers airing their opinions, with one fan remarking: "Pointless Barbie start."

Another viewer couldn't hold back, exclaiming: "Holy sh**! I wish I could un-see that Barbie-themed opening."

A particular tweet questioned the timing of the skit, mentioning: "I realise it's because they missed it last year due to their filming schedule falling earlier in the summer, but what was the reason they thought a Barbie skit would be relevant and/or funny airing in September 2024, a full 14 months after its release date?"

Others tried to figure out the relevance of the reference, commenting: "I know it's filmed quite a time in advance but Barbie was surely a dated reference even when they filmed it??"

However, there were still some viewers who poured love on the quirky intro, with many enjoying it, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Tweeting in excitement, one viewer said: "OMG IT'S BARBIE THEMED!"

While another commented: "Bake of and Barbie. The combination I didnt know I needed."

In the intro, Alison Hammond dropped her well-known Brummie accent for an American twist while presenting a quirky sketch saying, "Ah another delicious day in Bake Off Land."

Amid some light-hearted banter with Noel Fielding over which of them should be the main Barbie.

Alison declared jokingly: "We said, it's the person with the best legs would be Barbie?"

The two sought to settle their dispute by roping in Paul Hollywood as Ken.

They questioned him on who was the rightful Barbie, but the Bake Off judge dismissed them both when Prue arrived as weird Barbie.

In the kitchen, the bakers faced their first test of the year crafting a loaf cake to wow judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.

The Great British Bake Off continues Tuesday's on Channel 4 from 8pm.