The Great British Bake Off 2020

HeidiHeidi · 29-09-2020 10:32pm

Yeah, agree with that about the eliminations, thought the other candidate had had it by the end of this evening. But he lives to fight another day. Will he change, though??

Watched on a very dodgy internet connection, so it was all a bit disconnected for me tonight - standout ones for me were the NI guy's Ethiopian coffee ceremony set (I've been to a number of those in Ethiopia, and he got it spot on IMO!), and the Amsterdam tea set which was as pretty as a picture, whatever that mould was that she used was an inspired idea.

They're all getting very techy this series - smoke wafting from quite a few bakes, flashing light in Rowan's lighthouse, and it's only ep 2!

29-09-2020 10:51pm

Yeah Rowan should have went! I never enjoy the first 3 or 4 weeks as much as the rest. Too many personalities to keep track of. I loved the ethiopian set too. Lottie is the only one able to have decent banter with Noel.

I had a lovely croissant vanilla slice to enjoy while I watched tonight! (Not homemade) Might make macaroons for next week though!

Parsnips · 30-09-2020 1:20pm

I have to say I am struggling to like Matt hosting and I am a fan of his.
definitey seems to be forcing a bit and some of it was cringe.
Hopefully he picks uo in a few weeks when he gets a bit more familiar with the contestants

HeidiHeidi · 30-09-2020 1:23pm

Parsnips wrote: »

I have to say I am struggling to like Matt hosting and I am a fan of his.
definitey seems to be forcing a bit and some of it was cringe.
Hopefully he picks uo in a few weeks when he gets a bit more familiar with the contestants

Agree, and there's absolutely NO chemistry between himself and Noel, whereas Sandi and Noel bounced off each other brilliantly - if they aren't best buddies, they certainly gave a good impression of it!

Gervais08 · 30-09-2020 1:27pm

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

Agree, and there's absolutely NO chemistry between himself and Noel, whereas Sandi and Noel bounced off each other brilliantly - if they aren't best buddies, they certainly gave a good impression of it!

I find some off Matt’s bits funny but agree they are a little forced so far.

Agree that Noel and Sandi had shenanigans down Soho on a regular basis - such excellent craic together!!!!

Mr E · 30-09-2020 2:45pm

100% about Rowan. He screwed up all 3 bakes so we were sure he was gone. Definitely producer interferance.

tea and coffee · 30-09-2020 7:22pm

Oh really, I felt Noel and Matt were getting on great- Noel seemed like he was laughing at Matt's shenanigans . Shows you what I know.

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts · 30-09-2020 7:22pm

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

Agree, and there's absolutely NO chemistry between himself and Noel, whereas Sandi and Noel bounced off each other brilliantly - if they aren't best buddies, they certainly gave a good impression of it!

I think the total opposite. Sandi and Noel were like oil and water to me, I never thought they gelled very well and I never laughed at Noel that much but so far this series, I've laughed a lot at him and Matt's antics.

Happy4all · 30-09-2020 7:27pm

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

Agree, and there's absolutely NO chemistry between himself and Noel, whereas Sandi and Noel bounced off each other brilliantly - if they aren't best buddies, they certainly gave a good impression of it!

Personally never warmed to Sandi. Noel and Matt are gelling well.

If noel had of been the one to leave he would have been a loss.

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts · 30-09-2020 7:28pm

Mr E wrote: »

100% about Rowan. He screwed up all 3 bakes so we were sure he was gone. Definitely producer interferance.

I've read people make the point that Mak didn't really fulfil the Showstopper brief but I think some of his molding just went a bit wrong because he overcooked the biscuit slightly so I think that's a BS reason. Or that they want to see what Rowan can do if he reigns it in a bit. I also think that's a BS reason. He gets the same amount of time as everyone else. It used to be that the objectively worst person that week went. Dan from a few seasons back was consistently excellent, but then had one bum week and was turfed because those were the rules.

Rowan only did marginally better than Mak in the showstopper and considerably worse elsewhere. We were treating it as a foregone conclusion that Rowan would be the one to go.

It seems like a lot of weight is placed on the Showstopper round. I wish there was more transparency in how they reach their decisions.

0xzmro3n4y7lb5 · 30-09-2020 7:31pm

I have eaten many a florentine but I never knew they were biscuits or made like that.

I thought they were nuts held together with a clear sugar syrup like caramel before it browns with a drizzle of chocolate.

That or Lidl has been fooling me all these years.

Those ones last night with the snap. Oh my, where would one get them? I bake a little but am not the best.

Gervais08 · 30-09-2020 7:52pm

Evelyn Strong Fencer wrote: »

I have eaten many a florentine but I never knew they were biscuits or made like that.

I thought they were nuts held together with a clear sugar syrup like caramel before it browns with a drizzle of chocolate.

That or Lidl has been fooling me all these years.

Those ones last night with the snap. Oh my, where would one get them? I bake a little but am not the best.

I’m with you, when they started putting mango and nuts in I was like eh ????

I’m inspired tho and will attempt (and do mean attempt lol!!) to have a crack at Mary Berry’s Viennese at the weekend!!

0xzmro3n4y7lb5 · 30-09-2020 7:55pm

Gervais08 wrote: »

I’m with you, when they started putting mango and nuts in I was like eh ????

I’m inspired tho and will attempt (and do mean attempt lol!!) to have a crack at Mary Berry’s Viennese at the weekend!!

I loved Vienese Whirls but have never made them. I love the ones Mr Kipling brings out this time of year. But my mind is gone and I can't remember if they are spiced or caramel.

Will you go traditional or a different flavour profile.

0xzmro3n4y7lb5 · 30-09-2020 8:08pm

Gervais08 wrote: »

I’m with you, when they started putting mango and nuts in I was like eh ????

I’m inspired tho and will attempt (and do mean attempt lol!!) to have a crack at Mary Berry’s Viennese at the weekend!!

Mary Berry is on BBC 2 now in case you don’t know.

Gervais08 · 30-09-2020 8:20pm

Evelyn Strong Fencer wrote: »

I loved Vienese Whirls but have never made them. I love the ones Mr Kipling brings out this time of year. But my mind is gone and I can't remember if they are spiced or caramel.

Will you go traditional or a different flavour profile.

I’m a bit of a chocoholic and so that might be the ends dipped in choc but filling wise I’m thinking a vanilla/strawberry combo.

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts · 01-10-2020 12:11pm

My favourite bit from this week’s episode:

Noel: “You have one... hundred... thousand...”
Matt: “Four...”
Noel: “Four hundred thousand hours”

Also: “You have five minutes left until I tell you you have ten minutes left”

neonsofa · 01-10-2020 12:48pm

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts wrote: »

My favourite bit from this week’s episode:

Noel: “You have one... hundred... thousand...”
Matt: “Four...”
Noel: “Four hundred thousand hours”

Also: “You have five minutes left until I tell you you have ten minutes left”

I loved the five minutes left until...

The contestants didn't though lol

j@utis · 01-10-2020 3:34pm

I don't like Matt as a presenter - he's not squeaky or chirpy enough. His voice kinda blends into background. Nobody can beat Mel and Sue duo period.
I'm inspired to bake, regardless

Mix of coffee, caramel, chocolate and brandy

01-10-2020 5:44pm

I’m drooling!

HeidiHeidi · 02-10-2020 8:37pm

Watching live this time, so I've had to suffer Tom Allen...... I'll make sure to time things a bit better next week!

His home baking slot could have stopped about two bakers earlier, it drags on a bit.

Love Stephen Mangan. And loved Phil getting up that Malaysian girl's nose

Earthhorse · 04-10-2020 2:37pm

I actually thought Mark had better back and forth with Matt and the others so even by the criteria of more entertaining I thought he deserved to stay! I wonder did Rowan impress in his entry and they’re holding out for something amazing there.

tea and coffee wrote: »

Oh really, I felt Noel and Matt were getting on great- Noel seemed like he was laughing at Matt's shenanigans . Shows you what I know.

No, I one hundred per cent agree with you. Think the chemistry is great between them.

Happy4all · 06-10-2020 8:02pm

The Hollywood handshake ðŸ˜‚

j@utis · 06-10-2020 8:40pm

Rainbow bagels?! Nah, these don't appeal to me. I rather stick to cake leftovers I found in the far corner of the fridge...

Happy4all · 06-10-2020 8:42pm

j@utis wrote: »

Rainbow bagels?! Nah, these don't appeal to me. I rather stick to cake leftovers I found in the far corner of the fridge...

Cut me a slice, I have the tea made

j@utis · 06-10-2020 8:45pm

"these are a bit dark", gosh how can you tell when they're so brightly colored.

Meauldsegosha · 06-10-2020 8:46pm

Rowan has to go tonight.

06-10-2020 8:46pm

God I actually cannot stand Matt Lucas

I tried.

j@utis · 06-10-2020 8:48pm

I agree with two post above 110%. Both are so annoying, pity only one of them can be send home...

06-10-2020 8:56pm

I’m loving Matt tonight.

PsychoPete · 06-10-2020 9:04pm

Rowan has absolutely no business being on this show

j@utis · 06-10-2020 9:26pm

Finally! You won't be missed Rowan!

Happy4all · 06-10-2020 9:37pm

PsychoPete wrote: »

Rowan has absolutely no business being on this show

Ah not a great baker but a great character to have encountered.

siblers · 06-10-2020 10:13pm

Though Matt was great tonight. Finding this series much better than the last two seasons

06-10-2020 10:22pm

Glad rowan went and a fair decision for star baker too. I love Matt, he makes me laugh.

HeidiHeidi · 07-10-2020 12:25am

Just nearly finished watching now....

God, I'm sick of Rowan's shtick at this stage, hope he goes!

Prue's voice seems to be awfully thin or wobbly or vulnerable or something, hope she's OK (memories of that as for VHI where the teacher had throat cancer :eek:)

How on earth do they manage to eat that many large lumps of dry bread without keeling over or choking???? And that's coming from a die hard bread lover!

But a bread with butter lover - and speaking of which, after making them go to all the trouble of making butter (as one of them said - why??), they then don't even bother to judge it??

Those rainbow bagels were nothing short of revolting! Even Paul's own ones - I can't imagine anythig less appetising right now!

Loved the sound of a lot of those soda bread flavours, esp Hermine's ones.

HeidiHeidi · 07-10-2020 12:35am

Aaaand he's gone. Can't say I'm sorry (although he does get some redeeming points from an inveterate sailor for wearing Dubarry boots

)

How were Mark's family allowed to invade the bubble??? (Not that I'd begrudge him it, just there was such a big deal made of them all being locked up for 7 weeks or whatever it was - I'm genuinely curious!)

07-10-2020 12:56am

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

Aaaand he's gone. Can't say I'm sorry (although he does get some redeeming points from an inveterate sailor for wearing Dubarry boots )

How were Mark's family allowed to invade the bubble??? (Not that I'd begrudge him it, just there was such a big deal made of them all being locked up for 7 weeks or whatever it was - I'm genuinely curious!)

I'm really curious about that too!

And I agree completely about the rainbow bagels. I love a bagel but saturated in colouring? No thanks!

tea and coffee · 07-10-2020 8:09am

If you wanted you were allowed to bring your family (and pets apparently!) If they lived in the bubble too. He's a single parent so I guess he chose that option.

It would be a tough ask to stay isolated for 7.weeks without your family, I think- even if it is GBBO! How did they manage work wise?. I assume they don't get paid for being on the show? Surely most employers wouldn't give you that sort of annual leave.

On the normal times show at least, I assume they worked all week and baked at the weekend (tough going too).

crisco10 · 07-10-2020 8:20am

tea and coffee wrote: »

If you wanted you were allowed to bring your family (and pets apparently!) If they lived in the bubble too. He's a single parent so I guess he chose that option.

It would be a tough ask to stay isolated for 7.weeks without your family, I think- even if it is GBBO! How did they manage work wise?. I assume they don't get paid for being on the show? Surely most employers wouldn't give you that sort of annual leave.

On the normal times show at least, I assume they worked all week and baked at the weekend (tough going too).

Some of them would have jobs that are all work from home at this stage??

Oh and wife and I can't stand Matt Lucas. Like nails on a blackboard.

borderlinemeath · 07-10-2020 9:18am

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

Aaaand he's gone. Can't say I'm sorry (although he does get some redeeming points from an inveterate sailor for wearing Dubarry boots )

How were Mark's family allowed to invade the bubble??? (Not that I'd begrudge him it, just there was such a big deal made of them all being locked up for 7 weeks or whatever it was - I'm genuinely curious!)

Isn't he a single parent? As dependents they would have had to be included in the "bubble" I reckon.

Mr E · 07-10-2020 11:29am

That was really good fun. Lots of ammo for Extra Slice on Friday too.

Did anyone else think Rowan's showstopper looked phallic?

HeidiHeidi · 07-10-2020 12:06pm

borderlinemeath wrote: »

Isn't he a single parent? As dependents they would have had to be included in the "bubble" I reckon.

tea and coffee wrote: »

If you wanted you were allowed to bring your family (and pets apparently!) If they lived in the bubble too. He's a single parent so I guess he chose that option.

It would be a tough ask to stay isolated for 7.weeks without your family, I think- even if it is GBBO! How did they manage work wise?. I assume they don't get paid for being on the show? Surely most employers wouldn't give you that sort of annual leave.

On the normal times show at least, I assume they worked all week and baked at the weekend (tough going too).

Ah, I missed the bit about him being a single parent! Makes sense, then.

I'd imagine most contestants would negotiate leave of absence or similar with their employers - maybe in the first few series it was all practice baking at night and weekends, but I very much doubt that's the case these days! (although they still manage to pitch up somehow admitting to never having baked bread before!)

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts · 07-10-2020 2:34pm

In terms of artistry, I thought Linda’s cow was getting close to Bread Lion territory. It was very good!

stargazer 68 · 08-10-2020 2:01pm

Right I'm back. Was on my holliers so didnt want the spoilers! Dont know why all the fuss around Mack going, he was a bit rubbish! We were just saying last night I wonder if they recorded the episodes every couple of days rather than every week seeing as they were all staying together?

NutmegGirl · 08-10-2020 2:39pm

I was wondering that too
But normally they go home and practice for the week in between
They couldn’t do that if they all stay on site, quite a disadvantage from usual, you’d have to have all your practice done before entering the “ bubble”
Unless they have practice kitchens set up for them
I’d say it’s a v intense experience for them this year, personalities could clash much quicker, they’d know each other much better
And I read a few weeks back, the crew/judges were all in the bubble with them so it must be v strange

miamee · 08-10-2020 2:42pm

I'm sure I read somewhere that they had 12 practice kitchens set up for the contestants so that they could practice on their days off and that they had a few days to practice in between each filming day. I'll see if I can find the link (probably something that was shared here already!)

ETA: here is the link, they did two days on, two days off! https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2020-09-20/great-british-bake-off-series-11-covid-changes/

FunLover18 · 08-10-2020 4:25pm

Did they actually show Paul give Ermine a handshake?

miamee · 08-10-2020 5:05pm

Yes they did show the handshake

Posy · 08-10-2020 10:20pm

NutmegGirl wrote: »

But normally they go home and practice for the week in between
They couldn’t do that if they all stay on site, quite a disadvantage from usual, you’d have to have all your practice done before entering the “ bubble”

miamee wrote: »

I'm sure I read somewhere that they had 12 practice kitchens set up for the contestants so that they could practice on their days off

They have showed them all in their practice kitchens on Extra Slice.

HeidiHeidi · 08-10-2020 11:05pm

Posy wrote: »

They have showed them all in their practice kitchens on Extra Slice.

I knew I'd seen it somewhere! The practice kitchens looked just like their ordinary show workstations, but with curtains drawn between them..... they hardly built 24 full kitchen stations??

And I'd read that it was a concertina-ed schedule, due to being locked up for the duration.

The Great British Bake Off 2020

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