multibeautiful

The new series of the Great British Bake Off has begun airing in the UK, and the entire internet agrees that the hottest contestant by far is City banker (I know, boo hiss, but LOOK AT HIM), Selasi. He won the first technical challenge and looks set to produce some of the most gorgeous bakes of the contest.

To quote Twitter user saarahwaalker: "Paul well fancies Selasi. Everyone in that tent fancies Selasi. Everyone in the bloody world fancies Selasi."

This is 100% true. Observe:

So for those of you who aren’t aware, the new series of the Great British Bake Off started a couple of weeks ago.

Bake Off has become a cultural phenomenon. It’s based on an unbelievably tired premise - the twelve contestants are eliminated one by one on a weekly basis until three are left - and so gently twee it could open its own independent boutique in Muswell Hill. It’s judged by a man with orange skin (Paul Hollywood) and a woman who ranks up there with Helen Mirren and the Queen in redefining “spectacularly well-preserved” (Mary Berry, now in her eighties). It’s presented by pair of comedians (Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc). Sue is one of the most high-profile women in the media and along with (inter)national treasure Sandi Toksvig, is a lesbian.

The viewing figures for Bake Off have gone from 2.8 million in 2010 to 10.1 million in 2015. That’s a sixth of the UK’s population.

It is also quietly promoting diversity on television in the UK. Amongst the twelve contestants this year, “only” eight are white. The four non-white contestants are:

Nadiya

Engaging, endearing and with the best facial expressions whilst being judged. She’s SO CUTE.

( +3, Alvin and Dorret and Tamal )

Heading in to the third week, all four of these contestants are still in the game. I rank Tamal’s chances the highest of being in the final three. Who’s your favourite?

More about the contestants, with pictures. Link goes to The Guardian article from which these images were taken.