Bake Off's 'most awkward episode ever' as Alison Hammond clashes with baker

Great British Bake Off fans were left stunned after an awkward exchange between baker Dylan and host during Tuesday night's episode.

The popular baking competition returned with six amateur bakers facing off in Dessert Week, as they tried to impress judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith with their meringue-making skills across signature, technical, and showstopper challenges.

However, it was Dylan who sparked an ageism row when Alison and co-host Noel Fielding approached him while he worked on his showstopper tiramisu.

When Noel compared Dylan to the comedy character Frank Spencer, Dylan admitted he didn't know who he was. Alison then commented: "You're so young!" Dylan, 20, responded by saying that when he told his parents Noel and Alison were 50, they were shocked. Alison, who is 49, quickly corrected him: "I'm 49!" to which Dylan joked, "So your average is 50."

Alison laughed it off, saying: "All it means is that I've been in the queue a little bit longer than you, Dylan." Dylan fired back, "A little bit? You've been in the queue 2.5 times the amount I have," prompting Alison to respond: "Alright, Dyl!"

Noel joked: "He hasn't even come in the shop yet!" before Dylan asked Alison, "Do you feel closer to death?" When Alison asked the same in return, Dylan replied: "Well no, because my body isn't decaying. After 27 your body starts decaying."

Alison, unfazed, responded: "At the end of the day, you could go and get hit by a bus. You could die before me!"

The exchange sparked negative reactions from viewers. One person penned: "That whole conversation between Dylan and Alison has us speechless. We don't even know what to comment about it. #GBBO."

A second person wrote: "I don't think a contestant has ever been ruder than Dylan? It's just awkward and embarassing to watch. #GBBO"

A third agreed: "Didnt like tonight's vibe. Dylan did well, but his conversation with Alison about her age ("Do you feel closer to death?") was just not funny. Missed Nelly tonight. #gbbo"

Meanwhile, some viewers were quick to comment on how amazing Alison looks at 49, with one person writing: "Wait .. Alison is 49???!!! Whoa she looks like 35," while another added: "Shut the front door Alison is 49! Wow, she looks amazing #GBBO."