Great British Bake Off issues warning for 'scary' Halloween special

A Great British Bake Off Halloween special has been served up with a trigger warning for its spooky content, despite being a Channel 4 family show that airs before the 9pm watershed.

The online episode from the show's first-ever Halloween Week in 2022 was initially flagged as "isn't suitable for younger viewers" with a red "Guidance" icon on the app and website, according to The Sun.

However, this cautionary note has since been removed. The sixth episode of the series featured hosts Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas in Halloween costumes, with the set decorated with festive balloons, skeletons, and spider webs.

Contestants, including winner Syabira Yusoff, were seen making apple and pumpkin treats for judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood.

Warnings are usually given for explicit language, violence, or nudity but have also been used for outdated language in classic sitcoms.

Senior Tory MP Sir John Hayes weighed in on the matter, telling The Sun: "Most people find these types of trigger warnings very bizarre. The idea that the Great British Bake Off could be risky or dangerous is for the birds."

However, it appears the warning may have been added mistakenly. Wales Online reports Channel 4 chiefs claim it was an error and have since removed the advisory symbol.

A spokesperson for Channel 4 commented: "The Great British Bake Off is a family show, loved by audiences of all ages. Any guidance warnings were applied in error."

This update follows Paul Hollywood's recent revelations about the judging process on the show as the competition narrows down with each episode.

The celebrity baker, aged 58, who has been a staple of the Channel 4 hit since its inception on the BBC nearly 15 years ago, shared his insights.

"It gets harder as