In the latest episode of The Great British Baking Show, titled “Meringue Week,” viewers witnessed an unexpected reaction from host Alison Hammond. Known for her vibrant and supportive demeanor, Alison surprised fans when she expressed visible distaste upon discovering a particular ingredient used by two bakers in their meringue pie creations. Even more amusing was how Alison carried her disapproval into her usual upbeat voiceover commentary.

**Warning: This article contains spoilers for the “Meringue Week” episode of The Great British Baking Show, now available on Netflix.**

So, what ingredient could possibly unsettle the ever-cheerful Alison Hammond? The culprit was none other than the unassuming rhubarb. Let’s delve into the details…

In a first for the series, The Great British Baking Show introduced “Meringue Week,” challenging the six remaining contestants to showcase their skills with meringue. Whether opting for Italian, Swiss, or French styles, the bakers needed to perfect their meringue creations in both the Signature and Showstopper Challenges.

In an effort to enhance his chances, Northern Irish contestant Iain Ross decided to incorporate a “lucky” ingredient into his Signature Challenge, hoping it would give him an edge.

“Since Season 1, anyone who has used rhubarb hasn’t gone home and this has stayed true for fifteen seasons,” Iain said, chopping up the raspberry-tinted stalks. “‘Cause they love rhubarb!”

Of course, when Iain said, “They love rhubarb,” he was referring to judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. Alison Hammond, on the other hand, soon revealed to Iain and the whole wide world that she loathed the veg.

“You’re not doing rhubarb, are you?” Alison asked, standing next to Iain. There was actual panic on her face.

“Yeah!” Iain replied.

Alison began comically looking around in fear. “What kind of tent is this?”

“Do you not like rhubarb?” Iain asked.

“Noooo!” Alison said.

Iain rolled with it and asked if she wanted to try some of his. Naturally, she refused. “Do you want me to vomit all over your bake?”

Lest you think this was yet another one of Alison’s funny bits in the tent, her typically sober voiceover kept the disgust going.

“Iain’s not the only one opting for my least favorite filling,” Alison’s voice said in a tone that could only be accompanied by a sneer. As it turned out, Tom Arden was also using rhubarb.

While Alison didn’t confront Tom about this choice, the 31-year-old Londoner did get heat from Prue over another one of his recipe’s components. As soon as Dame Prue Leith learned that Tom was planning on blow-torching and not baking his meringue, she expressed how little she liked that method. Tom misinterpreted her note and took it easy on the torch, making the meringue ooey and gooey and exactly not to Prue’s taste.

Ultimately, Iain’s research into the rhubarb proved correct. Both Tom and Iain were spared from elimination this week. Toby Littlewood took home his first Star Baker honor, while Lesley Holloway was sent home.

Alison Hammond has yet to comment on whether or not her own personal vendetta against rhubarb has relaxed since Iain’s hypothesis — that rhubarb is lucky in the Bake Off tent — has been proven correct.