Alison Hammond humorously told one of her podcast guests that his frank, yet jovial, critique of one of her shows "really hurt". During an interview with author and BAFTA winner Adam Kay on her Smart TV Podcast, he shared his thoughts on The Great British Bake Off. Discussing the Channel 4 hit, he remarked: "It's gone off the boil recently since they changed the presenters, but ultimately it's a very good format."
Reacting to this, Alison burst into hearty laughter before confessing after her chuckles subsided: "That hurt, that really hurt. Gosh." Adam's observations followed a particularly eventful episode of a show that continues to captivate viewers, despite facing stiff competition in the increasingly crowded public competition arena, reports Plymouth Live.
Since its debut on our screens in 2010, The Great British Bake Off has sparked a surge of similar programmes that have transformed traditional hobbies into television entertainment. Across the UK, there are televised contests for activities such as sewing, painting, pottery, interior design and more, providing a platform for the general public to showcase their talents in various fields.
The latest edition of Bake Off, a Stand Up to Cancer special, was broadcast on Sunday (April 13), but saw the unexpected departure of one of its celebrity participants, TV legend Gloria Hunniford. During the show, Alison revealed that Gloria, aged 85, had to leave the tent due to illness. On the programme, Alison stated: "Now before we start the judging we should mention the fact that Gloria is not here. She is not feeling very well but she wanted us to carry on anyway."
Gloria has previously spoken candidly about her personal experience with cancer, having tragically lost her young daughter to the disease, as reported by WalesOnline. Speaking about it, and her desire to contribute towards the fight against the disease, on the programme, she said: "Unfortunately, I lost my daughter to cancer. To lose a child is the worst thing that can happen to you."
"Losing a child is the worst thing that can happen to any woman because you can't carry a baby for nine months, give birth to that baby, love that baby for whatever length of time without it having the deepest, deepest impact. It's so tragic when you lose that child," Gloria continued. "So, giving something back has a wonderful mending process because you are giving back in the name of the person you loved, who you do love, and have lost. It's very prevalent in my mind, and in my actions all the time."
Gloria also expressed that when you do something positive against something so deeply negative, it's very healing. "She was a very special girl, with a great sense of humour. She was the woman in this world that I loved talking to the most," she added.
Despite the challenges faced by the show, The Great British Bake Off remains a beloved staple of British television, drawing in audiences who appreciate its blend of competition and camaraderie. The show's ability to adapt and continue engaging viewers speaks to its enduring appeal. As it navigates through changes and critiques, the Bake Off franchise continues to inspire a new generation of bakers and hobbyists.
With its heartwarming stories and personal journeys, the series not only entertains but also sheds light on important issues, such as health and loss, as illustrated by Gloria Hunniford's poignant reflections. The emotional depth brought forth by contestants and their experiences adds a layer of relatability that resonates with viewers.
As the series progresses, fans remain hopeful for more engaging content and heartfelt moments that have become synonymous with the Bake Off experience. The combination of humor, talent, and genuine human stories ensures that The Great British Bake Off will remain a cherished part of the UK's television landscape for years to come.
