In an unprecedented moment on The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer, two contestants were crowned Star Baker for the first time in the show’s 16-year history. The special episode aired on Sunday, April 12, featuring five well-known celebrities battling it out in the iconic tent for a worthy cause.
This star-studded lineup included Emmett J Scanlan, Mark Wright, Nella Rose, Mutya Buena, and Ralf Little. They were judged by the regular panel of Paul Hollywood, Noel Fielding, Alison Hammond, alongside guest judge Cherish Finden.
After a challenging series of three rounds — crafting pull-apart savoury rolls, baking vegan fruit tarts, and creating a cake inspired by their most extravagant purchase — the judges faced a tough decision. Paul Hollywood and guest judge Cherish Finden found it impossible to single out just one standout baker. As a result, hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding made the historic announcement: both Mark Wright and Mutya Buena would share the coveted Star Baker title.
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Paul Hollywood acknowledged the rarity of this decision, stating it was something that had “never been done before” in the show’s long-standing history.
While the baking achievements captured much attention, viewers also voiced concerns on social media about hygiene standards in the tent. Many questioned why contestants did not tie back their hair or wear hair nets. Comments such as “Is there no hygiene standards on #GBBO?” and “Why has no one told them to tie their hair back?” trended widely on X (formerly Twitter).
The physical appearance of some contestants also sparked debate, particularly focusing on Nella and Mutya’s long acrylic nails. Viewers questioned their practicality for baking, with remarks including: “How can they do anything with those nails?” and “The nails make me feel sick.”
Despite these discussions, the overall celebrity lineup was well-received by fans. Excitement buzzed as familiar faces brought energy and charm to the tent. Fans eagerly anticipated the episode, with comments like, “Nella AND Alison Hammond in the same space? OH YOU LOVE US,” and “Mutya was on Celebrity MasterChef, so she knows her way around the kitchen—good line-up this year!”
This special episode followed last week’s Star Baker Rose Ayling-Ellis, who had set a high benchmark after her impressive performance. The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer remains available to stream on Channel 4 online, continuing to delight viewers with celebrity talent and heartfelt competition while supporting an important cause.