Bake Off hit by complaints after furious fans call Hermine’s loss a ‘fix’
FURIOUS Great British Bake Off viewers complained to Ofcom about Hermine's "early exit" as they branded it a "fix".
A total of 111 complaints were made to the TV regulator when the baker missed out on a place in the grand final.
Despite being a fan favourite, Hermine was sent home in favour of Laura who came last in the technical challenge and encountered problems with her showstopper.
Viewers were gobsmacked by their decision to secure Laura a place in the final.
Laura had struggled to get the chocolate to set on her cube shaped cakes resulting in a disastrous and unappealing showstopper in Patisserie Week.
The baker was viciously trolled in the aftermath of Hermine's axing - but Paul Hollywood defended his decision.
Long-standing judge Paul has now rushed to her defence and said in statement on Instagram: "I've heard of some sad people trolling Laura, it's disgusting behaviour.
"Those of you who may not be aware how Bake Off works or new to the series may have missed what we have ALWAYS done on Bake Off judging."
He added: "Each week stands on its own!! It never matters what any baker has done in previous weeks.
"Even if you win 4/5 star bakers and then have a bad week you will be at risk of going sadly. It’s the rule that has been in place for 11 years!!
"Also I ONLY give out handshakes in signature not in Showstopper or technical, there was on exception 3 years ago… STOP trolling any of the bakers!!
"Remember Prue and I can actually smell and eat the bakes… Bring on the final X."
Grateful Laura replied to Paul and said: "Thank you Paul that really means a lot to me".
Laura battled with David and Peter in the final this week - with Peter being crowned the youngest ever winner of the Great British Bake Off.
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"Please take a moment to consider your words before you judge someone you've never met and whose food you've never tasted.”
One fan tweeted: "I'm fuming, I like Laura but Hermine should never have gone, it's so unfair."
Another added: "How is Laura still in the competition? Prue and Paul sending Hermine home after one bad bake when Laura is consistently bad."