Great British Bake Off defends contestant from ‘fix’ claims

The Great British Bake Off bosses have defended contestant Manon after claims of a ‘fix’.

It was the first episode of the Great British Bake Off 2018 last night, as we were introduced to the new bakers.

The tent awaited 12 of the nation’s best amateur bakers, as they took their place under the critical eye of judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith with Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig returning for presenting duties.

This year the series kicked off with Biscuit Week, starting with signature biscuits that said something both about them and a place in the British Isles.

Next the bakers faced their first Technical, and hiding under the gingham cloth was one of Paul’s childhood favourites – an iconic biscuit in the form of Wagon Wheels.

Finally, it was crunch time. The bakers had to be picture perfect with their first showstopper – a spectacular 3D biscuit portrait challenge that required precision baking and superb decorating skills.

At the end of the first episode Manon Legreve, a 26-year-old Software Project Manager from London, was crowned star baker by judges Prue and Sandi.

But no sooner had the episode finished, claims of a ‘fix’ appeared in some newspapers after it was revealed Manon had previously been a part of another TV show.

She took part in BBC One cooking show The Box in 2015 and some people felt that this meant it was unfair for her to be on the bake off.

A source told The Sun newspaper: “It’s meant to be a level playing field for all contestants in terms of stepping into that tent for the first time.

“For one person to have been in a TV environment before gives them a huge advantage.”

But a spokesperson for the show hit back: “We are fully aware that Manon appeared in one episode of The Box and this does not affect her eligibility to take part in The Great British Bake Off.”

The Great British Bake Off launched last night to over 6 million viewers.

The series continues Tuesdays at 8PM on Channel 4.