Great British Bake Off viewers reacted with frustration after Shannon became the second baker to leave the tent, breaking down in tears as she said goodbye. The elimination came during the show's first-ever Audience Choice Week, a new format twist that divided fans.
Audience Choice Week introduces new twists
The Channel 4 competition has entered a new chapter following the arrival of Nigella Lawson, who has replaced Dame Prue Leith as judge. Nigella has been bringing her trademark warmth, wit, and passion for flavour to the tent, alongside Paul Hollywood. Hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding are also back to guide the bakers.
The competition is now in its third week, and for the first time in the show's history, the bakers faced challenges chosen by fans at home. The Audience Choice Week still featured a Signature, a Technical, and a Showstopper, but with various twists.
Challenges and reactions
The Signature challenge saw the bakers make a cheesecake inspired by their families, with contestants joined by one of their relatives to help them through the process. The Technical task saw the bakers pick ingredients out of a mystery box before creating something to serve in just two hours. Finally, the Showstopper challenged the bakers to make wearable bakes, with judge Nigella later placing a hat made out of cake over her head.
Many viewers were left emotional after Shannon's exit, while others fumed over the challenges. One person wrote on Instagram: "I can't believe how unsettled I feel with this many people in the tent. Nope, I don't like it at all. I like routines and rules! This is scary!!" Another added: "I am a die-hard Bake Off fan, but WHAT is this season [crying emojis]. Why are there relatives in the tent? Why can they see what they're baking in the technical? Why can no one seemingly bake that well? What have you done to my favourite show?"
Mixed fan reactions and Shannon's exit
Other viewers said they "weren't keen" on the new format, while someone else shared: "Hopefully GBBO doesn't do Audience week in future series. I was not a fan." Meanwhile, lots of other fans shared their praise on social media. "I loved the whole show. The flavours, the baked wearables and baking with family. Amazing," one person wrote. Another added, "I think this was one of the most fun episodes ever. Loved it!"
Reflecting on her time in the tent, Shannon said: "It's so hard to put into words what this has meant to me. I've become myself, if anything, I've let go of any persona of who I wish I was, I've really just been me. So, life-changing. That is the word." Shannon then broke down in tears, as she said: "I don't want to say bye to anyone, but yeah." New judge Nigella admitted that she "can't get used" to saying goodbye to a baker each week. Paul added: "Shannon is such a lovely lady, but unfortunately, she was bottom in the Technical and struggled in the Signature, and in the Showstopper, didn't do quite enough. So overall, I think it's not been her best week."
