Great British Bake Off is nearly back on our screens, but a former star has taken to Twitter to speak out about the social media dangers of starring on the show.
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Dan Beasley-Harling, who starred in series nine of the beloved Channel 4 show back in 2018, tweeted: "Going through the #GBBO. Instagram and seeing that the bakers have unbalanced likes on their photos is bringing back the PTSD. It sucks that everyone gets instantly judged on their surface. Hoping for more kindness in the comments this year, he said hopefully."
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One of his followers replied: "I wouldn't hold your breath. It's mad how a show about baking can create a fandom full of judgement and negativity. I remember last year when Rosie got a TONE of abuse online for literally no reason whatsoever."
Dan responded: "Yeah. I love Rosie, she’s really funny. The public often pick a target and then it becomes ‘safe’ for everyone else to go after them for no reason. Mob mentality is the worst."
He added: "Reality TV is wonderful for the people who get a favourable edit and/or public adoration, and a living nightmare for those who don’t."
Dan warned about trolls ahead of the new Bake Off series
The new series is set to air on Tuesday night, and will see the return of leading judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, as well as welcoming comedian Matt Lucas take the helm as brand new co-presenter opposite Noel Fielding. Matt will be taking over from Sandi Toksvig after the presenter announced she was leaving the show earlier this year.
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Are you looking forward to the new series?
Speaking about his new stint on Bake Off, the Little Britain star said: "I'm chuffed to bits to be joining the most delicious show on television." He added further: "I can't wait to break bread with Noel, Prue, and Paul and meet the brilliant bakers. And bearing in mind my love of cake, I've already ordered some much larger trousers in anticipation. See you in the tent!"
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