Great British Bake Off viewers brand Paul Hollywood 'monster' over series debut move as they predict 'winner'

Viewers of The Great British Bake Off were left branding Paul Hollywood a 'monster' for his actions during the first episode of the new series as fans already named their winner. The hit show returned to Channel 4 on Tuesday night (September 26) with a bunch of fresh bakers entering the famous tent.

The 15th series saw Alison Hammond make her hosting debut after replacing Matt Lucas in the role following his decision to quit last year, alongside returning presenter Noel Fielding, before 12 amateur bakers were set their first series of challenges by judges Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith as they compete for the title of Britain's best amateur baker.

Kicking off the new series with cake week, the contestants were tasked with baking a signature vertical layer cake, a chocolate cake in the technical challenge, and a sponge showstopper.

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And it was during the final showstopper that Bake Off viewers were left horrified by Paul's move as he and Prue judged the bake of Dan, a civil engineering resource planner from Cheshire. The 42-year-old wowed the judges had created a replica of his pet dog, Bruno, who he sadly lost last month, he created with him butter icing, ganache and of course soft and spongey cake.

But it was when Paul and Prue came over to judge the personal masterpiece that viewers took issue. Paul specifically hacked into Bruno from the top of his head which left both the contestants and viewers at home in shock.

@rozlaws asked: "How could you cut into Bruno like that?! You’re a monster, Hollywood." @Eighty_Ten echoed: "5 yo just