The Great British Bake Off 2022 final has officially begun, with Syabira, Sandro and Abdul going head to head as they vie to win the competition.

However, the final episode of the series began with a notable absence – as Noel Fielding was nowhere to be seen at the start of the final.

As the three finalists made their way into the tent, they were greeted by judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, as well as Matt Lucas, who was presenting on his own.

Matt immediately addressed why Noel wasn’t there, explaining that The Mighty Boosh star was feeling under the weather.

However, the former Little Britain comedian added that they hoped his co-host would return later on in the episode, as several Bake Off fans wished him better.

‘Not embarrassed to admit to the SHRIEK I let out upon learning of Noel’s sick day,’ one person tweeted, while another said: ‘Gutted that Noel is missing the final!’

One viewer said Sandro looked ‘heartbroken’ to learn that Noel was absent (Picture: Channel 4)

The Bake Off fan began with a trio, rather than the usual quartet (Picture: Channel 4)

One fan remarked that they could ‘see the heartbreak in Sandro’s eyes’ when he learnt that Noel was unwell.

‘No Noel?? Can’t cope!!’ another upset viewer said, alongside a row of sobbing emojis.

Ahead of the final, Noel excitedly posted on social media encouraging fans to tune in, failing to mention that he would be a no-show at the beginning of the programme.

Despite Noel not being in the tent for the start of the Bake Off 2022 final, he could still be heard in the voiceover, explaining what the bakers were up to.

On the second day of the final, Noel finally returned to discuss the Technical with Matt, Paul and Prue and how shaky a challenge it was for all three of the contestants.

The grand finale began with an extremely tense and arduous challenge, as the bakers were tasked with putting together a summer picnic.

However, while you may think a summer picnic is a pleasant challenge, creating pies and finger sandwiches under a short tight limit proved extremely taxing for the competitors.

The Technical then saw them attempt to create a summer pudding bombe at Paul’s request – with none of them managing to do so successfully.

The Great British Bake Off is available to watch on All 4.

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Viewers were ‘gutted’ – but the presenter soon returned.