You’re not really allowed to dislike the Great British Bake Off. Even hardened cynics are expected to praise it because it is oh-so-self-aware, armed with innuendos, irony, reputable comedians and the success of its former contestants – from Nadiya Hussain to Tamal Ray to Ruby Tandoh, all now TV chefs or food writers shaking up our white and middle-class food media.
Ok, you were briefly allowed to hate it – just a little bit – when the show was bought by Channel 4 in 2017, having previously been broadcast on BBC One. Many viewers were simply disgusted that the British institution would sell out by willingly saying goodbye to fan favourites Mel and Sue and Mary Berry to make more money elsewhere.
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