The Great British Bake Off contestant Clara has confirmed that her showstopper cake was inspired by the popular fantasy book series A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.
During the first episode of the new series, 12 new contestants entered the tent. Nigella Lawson joined the Channel 4 show alongside Paul Hollywood to judge the bakers each week.
The bakers were tasked with creating a self-portrait showstopper to impress Nigella and Paul. When Portuguese baker Clara presented her cake, viewers went wild on social media. The bottom layer of her cake featured colourful book covers, which seemed to reference the beloved fantasy book series.
Fans spot the connection
Online, people were quick to comment on the subtle connection, with one person saying they 'immediately' noticed the book colours. Another suggested it was clear Clara was an 'acotar fan' with the colours of the books, reports the Mirror.
Another fan shared they 'screamed' when they saw the fantasy book connection, while another shared they 'knew' instantly when they spotted her cake. Although she did not specifically confirm it on the programme, Clara has taken to TikTok to share that fans were correct.
In a video, she confessed she did not think 'anyone was gonna notice' because there was no writing on the covers, just colours. However, she remarked 'real ones would get it' before telling her followers she is a fantasy fan.
Judges' verdict and episode outcome
Clara received praise from the judges and was deemed safe from elimination when Nigella and Paul were deliberating. She was not in the running to become star baker, which went to Mo for his impressive creations.
When it came to who was leaving the show, Alison Hammond explained no one would be leaving, as one of the bakers had fallen ill during the competition and had to be sent home. As no one left the tent last week, Channel 4 viewers can expect to see an exit tonight (September 29).
Prue Leith's exit and Nigella's arrival
During the first episode, fans saw Prue Leith appear at the start of the show to bid Paul, Alison and Noel Fielding farewell before leaving through a Doctor Who-looking Tardis and 'regenerating' as Nigella.
Speaking about her exit, Prue said, "Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life for the last nine years, I have genuinely loved it and I'm sure I'll miss working with my fellow judge Paul, Alison and Noel and the teams at Love Productions and Channel 4.
"But now feels like the right time to step back (I'm 86 for goodness sake!), there's so much I'd like to do, not least spend summers enjoying my garden. Whoever joins the team, I'm sure they'll love it as much as I have. I feel very lucky to have been part of it."
Nigella commented: "I'm uncharacteristically rather lost for words right now! Of course, it's daunting to be following in the footsteps of Prue Leith and Mary Berry before her, great dames both, but I'm also bubbling with excitement.
"The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme, it's a National Treasure – and it's a huge honour to be entrusted with it. I'm just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come. I wish the marvellous Prue all the best, and am giddily grateful for the opportunity!"
The Great British Bake Off continues on Tuesdays on Channel 4 from 8 pm.
