The Great British Bake-Off 2016
Sue Perkins has dismissed rumours of a rift with Paul Hollywood BBC

Great British Bake Off co-host Sue Perkins has dismissed reports of a feud with baking judge Paul Hollywood as 'ludicrous.' Reports of simmering tensions between the pair were fuelled after the presenter apparently made a cutting remark at the judge's expense in Wednesday's (19 October) episode of the popular baking show.

Introducing the technical challenge, 50-year-old Hollywood told the bakers: "Remember, it's the semi-finals. So it's not only got to taste good, it's got to look good, too."

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Sue responded somewhat abruptly: "'Paul, I think you have an appointment at Banalities R Us, just over there. Mary, we'll see you later."

Rumours of escalating tensions between the pair surfaced when TV comedy duo Mel and Sue, alongside Mary Berry, announced they were staying with the BBC as the Bake Off moved to Channel 4, while Hollywood said he would stay on as judge. He has reportedly signed a three-year deal with the channel for a £1.1m fee.

While the move has led to reports of a feud between Paul and his co-stars, they have each denied a rift.

And while fans of the show are still coming to terms with losing the original hosts, they were left heartbroken as Selasi Gbormittah failed to make it to next week's final.

The TV heartthrob struggled with the technical challenge, presenting the judges with 'very raw' French palmiers, while his fondant fancies didn't compare with Andrew Smyth's show-stopping orchestra-inspired attempt.

Describing his experience on the show he said: "It's been absolutely amazing, splendid, I loved it all. I was almost at the last hurdle, and then I dropped the ball. I can't blame anyone else but myself."

Selasi had also had viewers captivated amid speculation over his blossoming romance with fellow baker Benjamina Ebuehi, after the two appeared to be engaging in flirtatious banter in the kitchen, with the pair being dubbed "Benjalasi."

Commenting on his rapport with Benjamina, he said: "Benjalasi was hilarious particularly as we have such a good sister/brother relationship. We had such a great bonding in the tent, and she laughed at my jokes."

Selasi had consistently performed well on the show, impressing the judges with his baking skills. Berry, 81, said: "No one is more sad than me to say goodbye to Selasi, what a great character and what a baker."

The three finalists battling it out for the 2016 Bake Off Crown are 31-year-old Physical Education teacher Candice Brown, from Bedford; Andrew Smythe, a 25-year-old aerospace engineer from Derby and Kent garden designer, Jane Beedle, 61.

The final on Wednesday (26 October) is the last edition of the show to air on the BBC before it moves to Channel 4. The episode is expected to top the 15 million viewers who tuned in to watch last year's winner take the Bake Off crown.