Bake Off 2016: Fans express horror as Sikh contestant Rav Bansal is racially abused in the street

Bake Off fans have turned out in support of Sikh vegan baker Rav Bansar on the BBC1 hit show following his claims of being a victim of racist abuse.

The 28-year-old rising culinary star – who often bakes with flaxseed as an egg replacement in cakes – tweeted about an incident whereby he was insulted in the street after being recognised as a contestant on the BBC1 baking contest.

He wrote on the social media sharing site: "So today I was asked 'are you the p*ki on the not so British bake off?' Really, in 2016?"

Following a slew of supportive messages, Bansal tweeted this morning (2 September): "Thank you for all the kind messages, I am fine, honestly It's Friday and the weekend is in touching distance, all good!! #PositiveVibes".

His new fans were outraged by the racial incident and churned out messages of support, with one writing: "@RavSBansal You are a Great BRITISH baker. Just like many of us before on #GBBO. Nuff said to those ignorant to think otherwise" while his co-star Candice Brown replied: "@RavSBansal ridiculous human being. Not worth the air Rav. We love you lots".

Another Twitter user expressed their shock, writing: "@RavSBansal I can't believe that Rav! There are some horrible people out there!" as another one was equally outraged, claiming: "@RavSBansal forget the ignorant fools. Wear that crown loud and proud King" in reference to Rav's turban.

Rav, who lives in Erith, in south-east London, and is currently participating in the seventh series of the long-running show, also received messages from Bake Off contestants – past and present – of various ethnic backgrounds.

Ali Imdad, who appeared on the fourth series of the baking show, replied with: "oh Rav, I still get it. It's an unfortunate part of being on Bake Off. I throw chapattis at them now."

Benajmina Ebuehi, who is a contestant on this year's show wrote: "So horrible. Get @selasigb to sort them out."

Most recently, last year's Bake Off winner, Nadiya Hussain, has spoken about the racist abuse she has received as a British Muslim.

Speaking on Desert Island Discs, she said: "It has happened. Through my early teens when you had big things happening in the news like September 11...you do get abuse and I did get abuse.

"I've had things thrown at me and been pushed and shoved. It sounds really silly because I feel like that's just become part of my life now. I expect it. Absolutely I expect it," she added.

The Great British Bake Off continues next week at 8pm on BBC1 Wednesday 7 September. Read our exclusive interview with Rav Bansal here.