Why Shannon was unable to finish her showstopper on Bake Off – as week one star baker named | The IndependentSkip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.Subscribe`; document.body.appendChild(modal); modal.addEventListener('click', () => { document.cookie = 'mos-plan-select=; Max-Age=0; path=/; expires=Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 UTC;'; }); modal.querySelector('.subscribe-link')?.addEventListener('click', (e) => { e.preventDefault(); document.cookie = 'mos-plan-select=; Max-Age=0; path=/; expires=Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 UTC;'; setTimeout(() => { window.location.href = 'https://www.independent.co.uk/subscribe/app'; }, 500); });});]]>Lauren Del FabbroTuesday 22 September 2026 22:03 BSTThe Great British Bake Off 2026 trailerNigella Lawson made her judging debut on Channel 4's The Great British Bake Off alongside returning judge Paul Hollywood on Tuesday evening.The 66-year-old TV cook replaced Dame Prue Leith, who announced in January that she was stepping down after nine series on the show.Contestant Mo was named the first Star Baker of the new series after impressing the judges with a peanut and caramel chocolate stout cake.Drag artist Gabe earned praise from Lawson for a profound self-portrait showstopper cake featuring a crackable mirror revealing his drag persona.During the showstopper another contestant, Shannon, became unwell and was unable to finish her bake. Presenter Alison Hammond later revealed that no contestants were eliminated in week one.In fullGreat British Bake Off: Week one star baker revealed as Nigella Lawson makes judging debutMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in