The Great British Bake Off semi-final has left viewers in a state of utter disbelief and fury after popular contestant Matty was brutally eliminated from the competition. The emotional episode, which aired on Channel 4, has been branded as one of the most controversial in the show's history.
The Semi-Final That Shook the Tent
Tuesday night's episode saw the remaining bakers tackle Patisserie Week, typically one of the most challenging rounds in the competition. Matty, who had consistently won over audiences with his charming personality and impressive growth throughout the series, found himself in a tense battle against fellow contestants Josh and Dan.
Despite delivering what many viewers considered strong performances across all three challenges, the 28-year-old teacher was ultimately sent home, leaving Josh and Dan to compete in next week's grand finale.
Viewer Backlash Erupts Immediately
Social media platforms exploded with outrage moments after the decision was announced. Thousands of Bake Off fans took to Twitter and Facebook to express their disbelief, with many accusing the judges of making the wrong choice.
One devastated viewer wrote: "Absolutely gutted! Matty was robbed blind tonight. He's been the heart of this series and deserved that final spot."
Another furious fan declared: "That has to be the most unjust elimination in Bake Off history. Matty outperformed both others in the showstopper. What were Paul and Prue thinking?"
The Judging Controversy Deepens
The controversy stems from what many perceived as inconsistent judging standards. While Matty received praise for his creative showstopper - an elaborate patisserie piece celebrating his relationship with his wife - technical flaws in his earlier bakes ultimately sealed his fate.
Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith stood by their decision, with Prue commenting that it was "incredibly close" but they had to make the difficult choice based on overall performance throughout the entire episode.
However, this explanation did little to calm the storm of protest from loyal viewers who felt the beloved baker had been unfairly treated in his semi-final journey.
A Bittersweet Ending
Matty handled his elimination with characteristic grace, telling hosts Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond: "I'm just so proud of how far I've come. This experience has been life-changing."
Despite his dignified exit, the baking community remains divided over the decision, with many calling for a review of the judging process and others threatening to boycott the final episode.
As the dust settles on this baking controversy, one thing remains clear: The Great British Bake Off has once again proven its ability to capture the nation's heart - and occasionally break it.
