The Great British Bake Off made its long-awaited return to screens on Tuesday night, with 12 new bakers taking to the famous tent for Cake Week.
The series began with a hilarious homage to country music legend Billy Ray Cyrus, with Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith donning a mullet for a fun skit where they performed a rendition of his hit song Achy Breaky Heart.
This series, once again filmed in a Covid-safe bubble, will see the show's most diverse group of bakers in the show's history with a range of different cultures represented in the famous tent.
Achy bakey heart! The Great British Bake Off made its long-awaited return to screens on Tuesday night, with 12 new bakers taking to the famous tent for Cake Week
Paul and Prue began the series with a fun rendition of Cyrus' hit single Achy Breaky Heart with the lyrics aptly changed to 'flaky pastry tart,' with hosts Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas accompanying on instruments.
The unexpected opening continued with the show's theme of skits to kick off the series, after Matt transofrmed into Boris Johnson for a reimagining of the government's press conferences at the height of the Covid pandemic.
Kicking off Cake Week, the bakers were tasked with baking 12 mini rolls for their Signature Challenge, with many taking inspiration from the iconic Black Forest Gateau.
Amusing: The series began with a hilarious homage to country music legend Billy Ray Cyrus, with Paul Hollywood, Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas donning a mullet for a fun skit where they performed a rendition of his hit song Achy Breaky Heart
Amusing: Paul and Prue began the series with a fun rendition of Cyrus' hit single Achy Breaky Heart with the lyrics aptly changed to 'flaky pastry tart,' with hosts Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas accompanying on instruments
Sensational: Prue donned a moustache and a cowboy hat as she joined Paul, Noel and Matt in the fun-filled sketch which kicked off the new series in style
On your marks... get set.. bake! Kicking off Cake Week, the bakers were tasked with baking 12 mini rolls for their Signature Challenge, with many taking inspiration from the iconic Black Forest Gateau
Full of drama! Crystelle was among the 12 bakers taking on the first task of making a mini rolls, with hers inspired by her Goan heritage and her grandmother
As ever the programme was riddled with innuendos as the bakers struggled to cover the 'cracks' in their sponges wile attempting to create the perfect roll.
Crystelle was also left mortified after her baking tray laden with custard overflowed onto the floor, lamenting: 'My mum is going to kill me!'
While Jürgen and Giuseppe impressed with their perfectly swirled rolls, Tom and George struggled with the challenge after battling with their timings.
Twins! Noel and Liverpudlian Lizzie both poked fun at their similar fashion senses, with the presenter joking his heeled boots were even higher than hers
Mixed outcome: George struggled with his timings meaning he was left with lacklustre rolls, but Jürgen impressed with his bakes inspired by Black Forest Gateau from his native Germany
Iconic: For their technical challenge, the bakers were given a vintage classic: Malt Loaf
Cheeky: Despite making history as the show's first ever vegan baker, Freya didn't hold back when detailing the challenges of dairy-free cooking, remarking: 'It's a bit of a faff really'
Tricky one: While many of the contestants confessed they'd never heard of the divisive cake, it was a tricky feat for all as they attempted to make the stodgy mixture
For their technical challenge, the bakers were given a vintage classic: Malt Loaf.
While many of the contestants confessed they'd never heard of the divisive cake, it was a tricky feat for all as they attempted to make the stodgy mixture.
Maggie came out on top with her 'beautiful' malt loaf, and the retired midwife fought back tears as she gushed she was 'pleased' with Prue and Paul's compliments, while Freya finished close behind in second place with her equally impressive bake.
However, Amanda and Chigs both struggled with their flour distributon and overall baking time, and finished in last place, putting them in danger heading into the Showstopper challenge.
Ahead of the series launch, the show's first ever vegan baker, Freya Cox was targeted by cruel trolls over her love of horse-riding.
The psychology student, 19, was forced to delete a Facebook page called Freya Cox Eventing, which had documented her achievements in the sport, after she was slammed online by those claiming it is cruel to animals.
The dressage champion had said she was 'passionate about ethics' while posting online about her excitement to join the tent as the show's first vegan baker - meaning she won't use animal products.
She penned: 'The secret is finally out! I can't believe I'm actually writing a post announcing I am going to be on the Great British Bake Off 2021 baking all vegan bakes.
'I am so passionate about ethics and feel completely blessed to have the opportunity to share this with the world. To say I am the first completely vegan baker on GBBO feels like such an honour.
'I will be posting loads of updates, bakes and behind the scenes pics over on my
