For the second episode of the new season, contestants Joe Pasquale, Jason Mohammad, Emily Campbell, Shakira Khan, and Jay McGuiness faced a mystery box challenge centered on fruits before encountering a surprise culinary test.
Paddy McGuinness Guest Judge Appearance Sparks Viewer Backlash
During the episode, the judges introduced television personality Paddy McGuinness, who challenged the celebrity cooks to bake what he described as the most glorious pie, noting that he was famished and had developed a broad palate through his extensive travel on Top Gear, as reported by the Daily Express. Fans immediately took to social media to voice their frustration over his selection as a culinary expert. One viewer posted on social media that his presence was a new low because he had nothing to do with food, while another questioned whether the BBC placed him on the program simply to disrupt it, drawing comparisons to his previous television roles, according to the Daily Express.
Celebrity Contestants Tackle Creative Pie Challenges
Despite the online criticism surrounding the guest judge, the celebrity contestants proceeded to present an array of sweet and savory pies for evaluation. Former Love Island contestant Shakira Khan prepared a roasted peach, honey, thyme, and burrata pie featuring a balsamic honey glaze, according to Express reporting. Sports presenter Jason Mohammad served a Welsh lamb and leek pie topped with mashed potato, chilli, and a mint jus. Meanwhile, Joe Pasquale created a chicken-chorizo pie cooked in dry sherry with a side of cauliflower cheese, and Olympian Emily Campbell baked a peach and cherry pie with a lattice top, served alongside salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, as detailed by the Daily Express.
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