Great British Fake Off? Hit Show Embroiled in Even More Controversy

The Great British Bake Off has hit the headlines yet again for all the wrong reasons.  Fans watching this season will know that Ian Cumming has claimed the coveted title of "Star Baker" for three weeks in a row in the early episodes of the show. Now, though, there are claims that his "inventive" recipes are actually the work of a professional chef. The 42-year-old found praise from the judges for his biscuits, breads and desserts. In last week's episode Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood raved about his pomegranate two-ways Creme Bruleé, among other items. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiMDmrWyiEE However, The Mirror reports today that one of Ian’s closest friends is head of catering at Cambridge ­University’s Trinity College, and the signature dish was oddly similar to one regularly served up at the educational institute. Cumming's pal Ian Reinhardt has worked at the college for 14 years. He is also a former head chef at the Restaurant 22 and chef patron at Brasserie 22. Speaking to the paper, a rival cook at the university said: “It’s disgraceful that this contestant is using Cambridge’s special techniques. “He probably wouldn’t be star baker if it wasn’t for the extra help.” Both the presence of molasses in the base and Ian's method of caramelising the topping are claimed to be trademarks of the college chef's style. In pieces to camera after last week's results, fellow contestant Nadiya Hussain said:"He’s totally a teacher’s pet." Flora Shedden, 19, added jokingly of Ian's win: "It’s really irritating. Three weeks in a row? What?"