Co-host Alison Hammond teases Fielding, saying there’s “nothing basic” about his approach.

Noel Fielding has opened up about the intense reactions from Great British Bake Off fans to last year’s competition format, admitting that the changes led to a fair amount of confusion among viewers. Speaking alongside his co-presenter Alison Hammond, Fielding revealed that the more complex structure of the series left some fans “freaking out” as they tried to keep up with the new twists and turns.

In the previous season, the show introduced a series of format changes, including different themes and challenges that were more intricate than usual. While these changes were intended to refresh the show and keep it exciting, Fielding noted that they had an unexpected effect on the audience. “People were like, ‘What’s going on?’ There was definitely a moment when Bake Off fans started to freak out a little bit,” he explained with a laugh.

Despite the concerns from fans, Fielding and Hammond remained upbeat about the show’s evolving format. Hammond, known for her quick wit and humour, joked in response that “there’s nothing basic about Noel,” suggesting that his quirky personality was an ideal fit for the more complicated challenges the show introduced.

The Great British Bake Off has long been known for its comforting and straightforward approach, but as the show continues to evolve, its producers have experimented with different formats in an attempt to keep the content fresh and engaging. While some fans embraced the changes, others were more critical, saying they preferred the simplicity and charm that initially made the show so beloved.

Fielding, who is known for his offbeat humour, has been a fan favourite on the show since joining in 2017. His playful dynamic with co-presenter Alison Hammond has added an extra layer of fun to the programme, and together they’ve built a rapport that resonates with viewers. However, as Bake Off continues to navigate shifting expectations and formats, it remains to be seen whether more changes will be made in the future.

As for the fans, while some may still be trying to adjust to the evolving format, Fielding and Hammond both agreed that the heart of Bake Off remains unchanged—celebrating the passion and talent of amateur bakers, all while keeping the atmosphere warm, lighthearted, and full of laughter.