The Great British Bake Off 2016 viewing figures: First episode of BBC flagship show watched by 11.2 million people

Up one million from last year's opening episode

The twelve new bakers joining Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood in The Great British Bake Off tent (BBC)

The Great British Bake Off is back and the nation is over the moon about it.

Viewing figures suggest 11.2 million people - almost half the UK TV watching audience - tuned in to watch the new batch of contestants bake it out to stay in the competition.

The record-breaking figure marks an increase of one million viewers from last year’s opening episode, not including iPlayer figures, which will no doubt increase the number substantially.

Already, a favourite to win the competition has emerged: Selasi Gbormittah’s laid back attitude and baking finesse have proven a hit with viewers who wanted the banker to take Star Baker.

Meanwhile, the nation has been swept up in an argument over how to eat Jaffa cakes after Paul Hollywood dipped his in a cup of tea. Most of Twitter seems to believe one should never dunk a Jaffa cake, yet there are also those who believe it is acceptable.

Bake Off returns next Wednesday at 8pm on BBC 1.