The Great British Bake Off team have heaped praise on the audience for coming up with what they believe is “one of the best challenges ever seen in the tent”.
For the first time in the show’s 17-year history, the Channel 4 competition allowed viewers to share their ideas for potential challenges – with the best being put to screen.
Now, viewers will meet the bakers' loved ones as they join them in the tent to create a signature cheesecake.
Speaking to Radio Times and other press, Hollywood said: “It was a nice idea, that. I think it really worked because you could see the partnership, and they did relax a little bit more and confidence went up, and the confidence was still with them afterwards when their family member had gone or friend had gone.
“I just found that... [it was] the first time we'd seen it in the tent, but I think it worked really well. I'd like to do that again.”
“That will happen again, won't it?” added Fielding. “That was beautiful actually, to see their relationships. Really good idea, whoever came up with that. Clever audience!”
“You saw love blossom in front of your very eyes. It was just beautiful,” said Hammond.
Want to see this content?
This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.
“It was a lovely idea, and I think they needed that at the time when it came. I think they really needed that little boost.”
“And you know what? When we went in to do pop-ins, they were so comfortable, and the banter was just very easy, wasn't it?” added Fielding. “Because there were more people, and they knew each other so well, they were very at ease with each other. Fun, wasn't it? We loved that.”
“It was lovely. That was one of my favourite weeks, actually,” said Hammond. “I mean, it was only for one challenge, so then they went home.”
Viewers didn’t take it too easy on the bakers, though, with the second challenge being a Wearable Bake for their Showstopper that same week.
“[It worked]... surprisingly well!” laughed Lawson. “You know, you're never going to get an even standard with everyone, but you know, they really do pull it out of the bag when they need to.”
“It is quite amazing because these are not easy challenges, they wouldn't be easy for a professional baker, I think,” she added.
“We used a lot of mannequins in order to show off the wearable bakes,” Alison noted, with Nigella joking: “Because obviously, it wouldn't be enormously hygienic to be eating off someone.”
“Yeah, that’s a different show!” laughed Fielding.
Audience Choice Week is the third week of challenges in this year’s season – but which bakers will crumble under the pressure, and which ones will rise to the occasion?
The Great British Bake Off returns on Tuesday 22 September at 8pm on Channel 4.
Add The Great British Bake Off to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.