Bake Off Halloween special was deemed scary enough to be dished out with a trigger warning
(Image: Channel 4)

Great British Bake Off issues warning for 'scary' Halloween special

by · Manchester Evening News

A Great British Bake Off Halloween special has been served up with a trigger warning for its spooky content, despite being a Channel 4 family show that airs before the 9pm watershed.

The online episode from the show's first-ever Halloween Week in 2022 was initially flagged as "isn't suitable for younger viewers" with a red "Guidance" icon on the app and website, according to The Sun.

However, this cautionary note has since been removed. The sixth episode of the series featured hosts Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas in Halloween costumes, with the set decorated with festive balloons, skeletons, and spider webs.

Contestants, including winner Syabira Yusoff, were seen making apple and pumpkin treats for judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood.

Bake Off Halloween special was given a trigger warning
(Image: Channel 4)

Warnings are usually given for explicit language, violence, or nudity but have also been used for outdated language in classic sitcoms.

Senior Tory MP Sir John Hayes weighed in on the matter, telling The Sun: "Most people find these types of trigger warnings very bizarre. The idea that the Great British Bake Off could be risky or dangerous is for the birds."

However, it appears the warning may have been added mistakenly. Wales Online reports Channel 4 chiefs claim it was an error and have since removed the advisory symbol.

Current Bake Off host Noel Fielding and his 2022 co-host Matt Lucas
(Image: Channel 4)

A spokesperson for Channel 4 commented: "The Great British Bake Off is a family show, loved by audiences of all ages. Any guidance warnings were applied in error."

This update follows Paul Hollywood's recent revelations about the judging process on the show as the competition narrows down with each episode.

Paul Hollywood recently shared an insight into what goes into judging the show’s contestants
(Image: (Image: PA))

The celebrity baker, aged 58, who has been a staple of the Channel 4 hit since its inception on the BBC nearly 15 years ago, shared his insights.

"It gets harder as you go through, as there's so little between the bakers," he explained to TV Times. "We used to worry over whether enough good people would apply for the show, but now we think, 'How are we going to judge them? ' as they're so good from the start."

Great British Bake airs on Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4