The Great British Bake Off 2019 bosses have cut a controversial ‘joke’ Paul Hollywood made about diabetes from the semi-final episode.
For Patisserie week, the four remaining contestants were challenged to make Gateau St. Honoré for their technical bake.
While judging the results, Paul claimed the sugary desserts looked like “diabetes on a plate”.
The scene ruffled feathers among viewers, who accused him of misrepresenting the disease.
NHS expert Professor Partha Kar said such comments “reinforce stereotypes”, while Diabetes UK also criticised the show.
“We’ve been in touch with the producers and @Channel4 to explain how remarks like this can lead to misunderstanding, and be upsetting for people affected by diabetes,” the charity wrote on Twitter.
“We hope that this will lead to more positive and informed conversations about #diabetes, both in the media and more widely.”
Now Bake Off firm Love Productions has responded to the scandal, confirming that the footage will be edited out of future broadcasts.
A spokesperson for the company said: “We regret that a comment about diabetes in this week’s GBBO caused offence.
“It was certainly not our intention and the comment will be removed from all future repeats of the episode.”
Paul himself has expressed regret, issuing an apology on his Instagram page.
“A remark re:- diabetes I made on tonight’s show was thoughtless,” he posted.
“I meant no harm, as both my grandad and my own mother suffer/ suffered from diabetes… apologies.”
Despite winning the technical challenge, Rosie Brandreth-Poynter was eventually eliminated from the competition.
Her exit leaves Alice Fevronia, David Atherton and Steph Blackwell battling to be crowned the series champion.
The Great British Bake Off 2019 concludes with its grand final on Tuesday at 8.00pm on Channel 4.
More on: Great British Bake OffPaul Hollywood
