Bake Off viewers have criticised Channel 4’s latest episode, arguing that Free From Week lacked the excitement of previous challenges
Bakers were asked to produce gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan party food, but some fans found the brief uninspiring and threatened to stop watching
The episode also saw retired garment technologist Gary Harding leave before the quarter-final
His departure followed wider complaints that this year’s contestants are stronger on personality than pastry
Others defended the casting, saying the programme works best when it features relatable home bakers rather than near-professionals
Paul Hollywood had previously branded a flatbread challenge among the show’s poorest efforts.