The Opening Episode Of 'Great British Bake Off' Gets Over 180 Ofcom Complaints

The opening episode of the new season of Great British Bake Off has received over 180 complaints, TV watchdog Ofcom has revealed.

The broadcasting regulator explained the "vast majority" of the complaints were focused on Matt Lucas' parody of Boris Johnson. You can watch Matt's sketch below:

Ofcom told the Manchester Evening News that it had received 181 complaints so far, following the episode which aired on Tuesday evening at a later time of 8.15pm.

Channel 4 delayed the start time of the show to make room in its schedule for the PM's address to the nation, which began at 8pm.

And hoping to bring a little lighthearted humour to the show, Bake Off began its opening episode with a parody of Boris Johnson's address, which some viewers hailed as the best GBBO opener ever.

Standing at the lectern alongside the words: "Stay alert, protect cake, save loaves" viewers described Matt Lucas' impersonation of the PM as the best they've ever seen.

Channel 4)

From reading the announcement upside down, to explaining "bake in a tent if they want to, but don't bake in a tent" and asking Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood how to pronounce scone, fans said it had "saved 2020".

At the end, Matt whipped off his wig and said: "All that remains if for me to say, welcome to the Great British Bake Off!"

But not everyone was impressed with the sketch. While the nature of the Ofcom complaints are currently unclear, over on Twitter, disgruntled viewers said the parody was in poor taste.

"Whilst it's great to have @BritishBakeOff back on our screens, I feel the opening segment with @RealMattLucas impersonating @BorisJohnson presenting a #DailyBriefing was in bad taste," said one.

"I'm up for a laugh like anyone else but #CoronaVirus is not something to poke fun at!"

"I'm sorry but not happy with @RealMattLucas opening of Bake Off. Making a mockery of @BorisJohnson slogan on saving lives which is more important than ever. It was too long and not funny. Not impressed," added another.

Meanwhile one person tweeted: "Dear God, #BakeOff, what were you thinking? Can't you imagine how anyone with family or friends suffering from Covid must feel looking at that insensitive opening?"

Bake Off continues next Tuesday evening at the normal time of 8pm. Tyla has contacted Channel 4 for comment.

Topics: TV News, Bake Off, Boris Johnson

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine