Bake Off star forced to leave first episode early as they're left 'gutted'

The Great British Bake Off is back with a bang, serving up several firsts in the series' history. One contestant earns the much-coveted ' Hollywood handshake' during the very first episode's signature challenge, while another is compelled to exit the tent after falling ill barely a day into filming. The show's 15th series kicks off brilliantly as a baker impresses judge Paul Hollywood enough to receive his infamous handshake within the first half-hour.

However, it soon goes downhill, as by the second day, the competitors notice an absence in their midst. Co-host Alison Hammond informs that one baker couldn't continue due to illness, leaving only 11 to battle out the imminent elimination round. A TV source told The Mirror: "The baker was gutted to miss out on the second day but they weren't feeling up to it and so they had to sit it out," highlighting the participant's unfortunate setback.

Adding more excitement, the series introduces a new twist: the 'taste and bake' challenge. Alison Hammond unveils, "Each week the bakers will face a gingham-clad secret second challenge but this time there's an extra surprise awaiting them." Her fellow host Noel Fielding explains with intrigue, "This is a taste and bake challenge.

You have five minutes to inspect your cake and then you have to recreate it with no recipe ." Bakers first savour and even taste the cake before attempting their own rendition. However, this phase goes not as smoothly as hoped as one contestant brands their creatio.