Great British Bake Off fans floored by 'massive twist' in 'daunting' technical challenge

The Great British Bake Off tent welcomed a new cohort of bakers on Tuesday evening as the latest series commenced.

The initial challenge presented to the contestants was to create an impressive loaf cake for judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, which led up to the invariably tense technical challenge.

Traditionally, participants would find their ingredients concealed beneath a gingham tea towel, accompanied by basic guidelines for the task at hand.

However, this season the Channel 4's hit series threw in a curveball - no recipes were provided for the bakers.

The challenge set forth was to replicate 12 uniform pieces of Battenberg based solely on taste from a small sampling given to them, reports the Mirror.

Faced with this unanticipated hurdle, it was immediately clear that the bakers lacked confidence sans the precise ratios required.

One baker admitted in trepidation: "I have no idea what I'm doing!"

As they pressed on, judges Prue and Paul conveyed their thoughts outside the marquee.

Prue said: "I think a Battenberg is a tricky enough challenge as it is and you've not even given them a recipe!"

Paul elaborated, offering a glimpse of guidance: "It is the first time we've given them an actual cake, this is what you're aiming for."

Before exiting the tent, Paul proffered one last piece of counsel, hinting that success rested largely on maintaining equal proportions within the cake components.

Despite the challenges, all bakers crossed the finish line of the challenge, with varying degrees of triumph.

Emerging victorious was Georgie, taking the top spot, while Christiaan snagged the second-place finish.

After the show, 71 year old Hazel remarked: "Bit daunting that was, I'm used to following a recipe. I'm glad I didn't