Great British Bake Off First Contestant Exits After Technical Challenge Collapse

The Great British Bake Off's 2025 season began with 30-year-old scientist Hassan becoming the first contestant eliminated after a disastrous Swiss Roll that collapsed into a soggy mess, drawing harsh criticism from judge Paul Hollywood. The show's Technical challenge was particularly difficult, requiring bakers to recreate nine fondant fancies without a recipe or ingredient list, which some contestants described as "brutal" and fans called "evil." Hassan struggled in this challenge as well, placing sixth, and his early failure affected his confidence and subsequent performance, leading to his exit. Meanwhile, Nataliia impressed the judges with a Ukrainian-inspired showstopper and was named Star Baker. Hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding returned, alongside judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, as the series kicked off on Channel 4. The harsh challenges and dramatic departures set a tense tone for the new season.