Bake Off: The Professionals returned to screens on Tuesday night with Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden back as judges, and Liam Charles back to host.
But fans were divided as Stacey Solomon made her debut on the Channel 4 show, replacing longtime presenter Tom Allen as Liam’s co-host.
Viewers took to Twitter to voice their – very polarized – opinions, with some insisting the former X Factor singer has ‘ruined’ the baking show while others praised her ‘humour and empathy.’
Mixed reviews! Bake Off: The Professionals viewers were divided on Tuesday as Stacey Solomon made her debut on the Channel 4 show, replacing longtime presenter Tom Allen
Stacey’s newness to the presenting role was the focus of much of the chat with Liam during the episode, with him guiding her on what their hosting duties entail.
Meanwhile, the patisserie experts were tasked with creating 36 individual cakes, as well as a sculpture out of treacle tart, with Stacey visibly shocked by Cherish’s ‘harsh’ comments.
Taking to social media, some praised the reality star-turned-presenter, with one person tweeting: ‘@StaceySolomon proving to be a great replacement on #BakeoffTheprofessionals.’
‘I just [love] @StaceySolomon … what an excellent choice for #bakeofftheprofessionals,’ added another with a third writing: ‘Such a refreshing change to have Stacey Solomon presenting #GBBO #bakeofftheprofessionals.’
Oh dear: Viewers took to Twitter to voice their opinions, with some claiming the former X Factor singer has ‘ruined’ the baking show while others praised her ‘humour and empathy
New duo: Bake Off: The Professionals returned to screens on Tuesday night with Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden back as judges, and Liam Charles (photographed) back to host
One viewer gushed: ‘Stacey Solomon is a truly inspired choice of host. I am already obsessed. #gbbo #BakeOffTheProfessionals.’
‘@StaceySolomon did AMAZING job on #BakeOffTheProfessionals I am so glad tom Allen had gone! He’s so bl**dy annoying and seems to be on every programme lately Well done Stacey,’ tweeted another.
‘#StaceySolomon is a great addition to #BakeOffTheProfessionals she has the right amount of humour and empathy. #GBBO,’ insisted someone else.
However, Stacey’s debut appearance on the baking show was received badly by many other viewers, with one person tweeting: ”Stacy is ruining this for me and it’s only been on 5 minutes #bakeofftheprofessionals #bakeoff.’
‘I am so sorry and I really like Stacey, but its a no from me. I will be recording and using fast forward a lot. So gutted as I LOVE this show #bakeofftheprofessionals,’ moaned another.
Moving on: Stacey’s new role comes after Tom Allen stepped down the show following three years as host with the comedian saying he ‘couldn’t think of a better’ replacement
Someone else asked: ‘Why can’t we just have the patisserie without gobby @StaceySolomon? #BakeOffTheProfessionals.’
‘How to ruin a great show …. bring on Stacey Solomon #BakeOffTheProfessionals,’ slammed one disgruntled viewer, with another adding: ‘#BakeOffTheProfessionals How to ruin a decent programme. Get Stacey Solomon on as co host.’
‘No no no what have you done i can’t watch this with stacey to me her voice is like nails on a chalkboard #ruined #BakeOffTheProfessionals,’ blasted someone else.
‘#BakeOffTheProfessionals Channel 4 what have you done,Stacey Solomon,FFS, certainly scraping the barrel here by having her on here, used to like this programme, she is just so annoying,’ lamented another former fan of the show.
Positive feedback: Taking to social media, some fans praised the reality star-turned-presenter
Stacey’s new role comes after Tom Allen stepped down the show following three years as host.
Speaking about his exit, Tom said: ‘I’ve had the best time co-hosting The Professionals down in Sussex with my wonderful friend Liam but now is the time to move on.
‘Stacey Solomon you are going to be absolutely amazing I can’t think of anyone better to be doing it!
‘It was my first tv presenting job back in 2018 and it has taught me so much – thanks to the amazing team with whom I’ve loved working, all the incredible chefs and most of all Benoit, Cherish and of course the brilliant Liam. Have a great series you guys!! X’
Yikes! However, Stacey’s debut appearance on the baking show was received badly by many other viewers
