Great British Bake Off 2022 episode 1 review: The show we all need is back with a great big fluffy hug-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro

Syabira brought the smiles and tears this week (Picture: Channel 4)

Warning: spoilers ahead for the first episode of The Great British Bake Off 2022.

Let’s face it – we’d all be happier if The Great British Bake Off aired all-year round.

In a year that’s seen people across the UK and the world deal with even more levels of uncertainty and upheaval, the pure joy, heart and love that the Channel 4 series spreads couldn’t be more welcome.

While various TV shows have been postponed in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s death – including Strictly Come Dancing, which was supposed to have its launch show on Saturday – GBBO has remained in place, providing people at home with some comforting evening viewing.

The first episode of the new series dove straight into the deep end with a challenging Cake Week, while introducing viewers to a batch of new bakers, from nuclear scientist James to cardiovascular research associate Syabira.

In the typical camp fashion of the series, the first intro saw judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith join presenters Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas to dress up as iconic characters from Star Wars, with Noel donning Princess Leia’s signature two-bunned hairdo (with bagels, of course).

It set the tone for an episode that, while pretty much void of any drama, did still manage to put a smile on our faces.

The stars of the 2022 series have arrived (Picture: Mark Bourdillon/Channel 4)

Beginning with a Signature where the bakers had to create 12 identical mini sandwich cakes, they then had to take on the challenge of baking a beautifully-frosted red velvet cake for the Technical.

Last, but certainly not least, the Showstopper saw the contestants create baked versions of homes that they’ve had an emotional connection to in their lives, ranging from quaint cottages to towering flat blocks.

While last year, bakers such as Jürgen and Giuseppe were quickly named top contenders to win the coveted title, after one episode of the 2022 series of Bake Off, there don’t appear to be any frontrunners… yet.

Yes, there are strong bakers, namely Sandro, Janusz and Syabira, but we’re yet to see anyone really shine above the rest of the competition.

The fabulous foursome bring their charm back to the tent (Picture: Mark Bourdillon/Love Productions/Channel 4)

Not that this is a bad thing to say the least. Some of our favourite bakers in past series have taken a few weeks to get into the groove, so we’re definitely looking forward to being surprised by these culinary experts’ hidden skills.

Episode one wasn’t completely uneventful, what with Abdul not realising his oven wasn’t hot for 40 minutes before almost dropping his cake on the floor, and Syabira tearing up with happiness over winning the Technical.

However, we have a feeling the launch of the new season was leaning more on the lukewarm side so as to take fans by surprise when the drama ramps up in the weeks ahead.

Some of the bakers flourished under the pressure of the famous Bake Off tent, whereas others sweltered under the tight deadlines set for them by Paul and Prue, as Will and Rebs struggled to deliver the results they were hoping for under tough time contraints.

Meanwhile, Janusz served up a stunning floral feat for his Showstopper, with Maisam and Maxy among those who wowed the judges with their flavours.

Of all the competitions on TV, it feels especially heartbreaking to see any bakers go home when you witness how much love goes into every single one of their bakes.

All in all, the new series of The Great British Bake Off might be off to a not-so-dramatic start, but it’s given us the warm fuzzy hug that we all desperately need, so no complaints here.

The Great British Bake Off returns next Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4 and is available to watch on All 4.

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