IT MAY have attracted an audience of 7.2 million on Wednesday night but an amateur baker from Belfast has caused a stir on the BBC's Great British Bake Off - with his beard.
The show, now in its fifth series, is famous for its contestants' dainty and pretty creations.
However fans of the show took to social network sites this week to complain about the "disgusting" appearance of some of the contestants.
Among those who have caught the public's attention is Belfast-born Iain Watters, a 31-year-old construction engineer who now lives in London, who was singled out for his thick beard.
IT manager Jordan Cox, who is 33 and from Nottingham, was also targeted by social networkers for his long, wavy hair and stubble.
Despite the pair going all out with their creations during the competition's first three challenges - including having to bake 36 identical mini cakes and their own trademark Swiss Roll - it was their hair which put them centre of attention.
One fan tweeted: "Can't stand these beards and unwashed hair on Bake Off. No. You can't cook if you
ain't got your hygiene sorted. Get out." while another added: "Surely that Bake Off beard is against hygiene rules?".
Further comments included: "Wish the British Bake Off would enforce
to the correct hygiene rules in relation to hair, jewellery and clothing, there's hair everywhere" and "Wish that bloke would shave that beard. It's disgusting. Not to mention unhygienic for a cooking show."
However, not all viewers objected to the facial hair with one describing Iain's beard as "lovely" and "formidable".
And, the comments didn't seem to dampen Iain's enthusiasm as the 31-year-old took to Twitter himself to comment: "Phew, that was close but thanks for all the support everyone, me and the beard appreciate it! Make sure to tune in #gbbo next week."