BUN FIGHT
Bake Off’s Mark Lutton is axed as viewers accuse show of ‘racism’ with Japanese week becoming ‘general Asian week’
BAKE Off viewers have accused the show of racism, saying the first ever Japanese week 'generalised Asian food'.
There were tears galore as popular contestant Mark Lutton was axed following a disastrous showstopper that Paul Hollywood said came close to being inedible.
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Mark welled up as he reflected on his time in the tent, insisting his were happy tears.
He said: "I couldn't ask for anything more, it's been brilliant."
His good pal Lottie Bedlow was named star baker after an impressive showing in week six.
However, there was also controversy as unhappy viewers accused the programme of casual racism for "generalising Asian food".
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The bakers were tasked with making bao buns, Kawaii cakes and matcha mille-feuille, but many people flagged that not all the challenges were Japanese.
Steamed buns, or bao, are a Chinese dish, while Kawaii cakes are inspired by "cute" aspects of Japanese culture but aren't an established part of Japanese cuisine.
Viewers voiced their disappointment, with one writing: " on is just shocking. needs to be called out on their racism and cavalier colonialism.
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Another posted: "Absolutely cringing at the casual racism/lack of understanding about the cultures of east Asia tonight on ."
A third complained: "Come on stop pretending this is Japaneseweek. Call it what it is – general Asian food week."
This isn't the first time the current series of Bake Off has been accused of racism.
Viewers slammed the show when its third BAME contestant was sent packing.
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Two weeks ago, Sura was sent packing from the tent in Chocolate Week while Lottie was saved.
Then in week two, Makbul was booted off despite fellow baker Rowan suffering three disastrous bakes.
In the show's first week, Loriea's over-flavoured food meant she was the first contestant eliminated - even though Linda's Bob Marley showstopper was missing a mouth and eyes.
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