The Great British Bake Off's Audience Choice Week saw contestants team up with their relatives for the signature challenge, with presenter Alison Hammond saying viewers saw "love blossom" in the tent.
As part of the twist for the Channel 4 hit, the bakers and their family members made a cheesecake together in the Bake with a Relative task. Rather than judges Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson choosing the tasks, viewers at home selected what the contestants would tackle in week three to secure their place.
Judges and co-host praise the twist
Judge Paul Hollywood said working alongside a familiar face appeared to give contestants a boost that lasted beyond the challenge, and he was keen for the challenge to return in another series. Co-host Noel Fielding was also keen for the idea to return, saying: "That was beautiful actually, to see their relationships. Really good idea, whoever came up with that."
The familiar signature, technical and showstopper format remains, but each round brings a different test chosen by the audience. For the technical, contestants face a mystery box, from which they must use at least one of its hidden ingredients in their bake, discovering what is inside only when the box is revealed.
Wearable Bake showstopper and fan reactions
The final round takes things in another direction with a Wearable Bake showstopper. Judge Nigella Lawson admitted the task went a lot better than expected, telling press: "[It worked] surprisingly well. It is quite amazing because these are not easy challenges, they wouldn't be easy for a professional baker, I think."
Away from the tent, fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the series so far, with contestant Danni leaving the series during the first exit. One said: "I may not have been obsessed with Danni but I cried when [they] left. That's the first time I've cried at someone leaving. [They] seem so lovely." Another praised judge Lawson's role, adding: "Nigella on #GBBO was the best idea; we're loving this season." With a third saying: "I love #GBBO so much! It's the most wonderful time of the year!"
Danni's tribute after first exit
After becoming the first baker to leave the tent, Danni shared in a heartfelt tribute to their co-stars: "I've never been the best with making friends. I'm quite an eccentric person and quite a Marmite person. Going into it, I wasn't expecting to make friends. I wasn't expecting there to be so many lovely, lovely people. It wasn't a competitive environment at all, it's just a bit of fun you are having with your friends."
They added: "I am really happy that I was the first one out because I know everyone in there has more skills than me. But I think I've learned something about myself, which is that in the right circumstances I can make quite a few friends. Finding love in a group of strangers – that's just beautiful."
The Great British Bake Off returns to Channel 4 tonight at 8pm.
