'Best opening sequence ever': Great British Bake Off viewers are left in stitches as the new series kicks off with pun-filled Star Wars sketch

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The Channel 4 series is known for its baking puns and comedic moments.

And The Great British Bake Off returned with its recognisable humour on Tuesday as it kicked off its latest series with a Star Wars sketch, called Bake Wars: Return of the Breadi.

Viewers were left in stitches after watching the comedic skit, taking to social media to describe it as 'too funny' and the 'best opening sequence ever'.

Hilarious: The Great British Bake Off returned with its recognisable humour on Tuesday as it kicked off its latest series with a Star Wars sketch, called Bake Wars: Return of the Breadi

The opening credits saw Noel Fielding dress up as Princess Layer Cake, inspired by Princess Leia, while Matt Lucas starred as her brother Luke Piewalker.

As the titles rolled, a Star Wars style introduction flashed up on screen, reading: 'A long time ago in a tent far, far away… well, earlier this year in Berkshire.'

The skit then saw Matt dressed up in Jedi robes and a brunette wig while his co-host Noel dressed in white robes with bagels on his ears to mimic Leia's signature hairstyle.

'Nice baps,' Matt said, to which Noel replied: 'They're bagels actually.'

In character: Noel Fielding dressed up as Princess Layer Cake, inspired by Princess Leia, while Matt Lucas starred as her brother Luke Piewalker, and Paul Hollywood was Darth Baker 

'Too funny': After watching the Star Wars skit, viewers took to Twitter to share their delight as they deemed it the 'best opening sequence ever'

Referencing Luke and Leia's kiss in Star Wars, Noel then said: 'Can you not look at me like that? I'm your sister.'

'Oh, I feel Darth Baker is close by. What do you think Prue-bacca?' Matt asked.

Judge Prue Leith then hilariously appeared on screen in a Chewbacca costume and growled as she copied the Wookiee language.

Paul Hollywood then joined the amusing sketch wearing a hooded black robe as Darth Vader's famous breathing noises were played.

As the others looked afraid, Paul joked of the sound effects: 'I shouldn't have taken the stairs, I'm knackered.'

Sci-fi: The skit saw Matt dressed up in Jedi robes and a brunette wig while his co-host Noel dressed in white robes with bagels on his ears to mimic Leia's signature hairstyle

Amusing: Judge Prue Leith then hilariously appeared on screen in a Chewbacca costume and growled as she copied the Wookiee language

'Too many lemon drizzles mate,' Noel said.

As Matt pretended to whimper in fear, Paul then sliced his pie in half with a lightsaber.

'Oohh, you just burnt my pie,' a disgruntled Matt said.

To which Paul quipped: 'It's fine, it's just a little on the dark side.'

A robot, resembling droid R2-D2 then appeared with a cake on top, as Noel said: 'I think my fruit sponge is ready.'

Skit: As Matt pretended to whimper in fear, Paul then sliced his pie in half with a lightsaber

Puns: A robot, resembling droid R2-D2 then appeared with a cake on top, as Noel said: 'I think my fruit sponge is ready'

'I think you'll be eating that flan solo,' Matt said, adding in another pun to the sketch.

The comedic skit ended as they all four announced: 'Welcome to The Great British Bake Off.'

After watching the Star Wars skit, viewers took to Twitter to share their delight as they deemed it the 'best opening sequence ever'.

One person wrote: 'Was not expecting Bake Off does Star Wars, but I'm here for it #GBBO.'

Another penned: 'Appreciated the Star Wars start to Bake Off!'

It's back! Elsewhere in The Great British Bake Off's opening episode, Will, 45, sadly become the first baker to be sent home, while Yanusz, 34, was crowned as star baker

A third joked: 'Anyone have Bake Off doing Star Wars on their 2022 bingo card?'

While a fourth commented: 'I don’t know if I’m excited that Bake Off is back or the fact there’s a wee nod to Star Wars.'

A fifth said, 'too funny! Love it!,' while another added: 'Best opening sequence ever.'

Another person tweeted, 'this is the best thing I've seen,' while one person joined in with the puns, quipping: 'May the cake be with you.'

Unique: Janusz uniquely put soy sauce in his cake, but the flavour paid off as Prue described it as 'utterly delicious', adding: 'I can't fault it'

Gaffe: Janusz made viewers, and his boyfriend, laugh when he announced he was the 'star caker of bake week' in a tongue-tied announcement on the phone to his partner

Elsewhere in The Great British Bake Off's opening episode, Will, 45, sadly become the first baker to be sent home, while Yanusz, 34, was crowned as star baker.

Former charity director Will said he was 'disappointed' to be the first to leave the tent after he had a difficult few challenges, including forgetting to set his timer in the first challenge.

'Somebody has got to go first. Obviously I'm disappointed, but I'm proud to have made it. I've met a lovely bunch of people and got an experience I can share,' he said after his exit.

After his success, a tearful Janusz said: 'I think my boyfriend will be really proud, he will say, 'you can make cake and I've told you that you can make cake'.' 

Setbacks: Will said he was 'disappointed' to be the first to leave the tent after he had a difficult few challenges, including forgetting to set his timer in the first challenge

But he made viewers, and his boyfriend, laugh when he announced he was the 'star caker of bake week' in a tongue-tied announcement on the phone to his partner.

After the much-anticipated return of Bake Off, viewers were quick to take to Twitter to thank the series for 'bringing back a slice of happiness' and a 'calming distraction' at a time of mourning following the Queen's death.

One person wrote: 'Oh bake off, thank you for bringing back a slice of happiness.'

Another said: 'Bake Off is the calming distraction I need from everything right now.'

A third commented: 'Its not even funny how much i have been relying on the promise bake off for happiness all week.'

And a fourth added: 'Happiness had been restored bake off is back on TV.'

While a fifth gushed: Never been so grateful bake off was moved to C4. Need the light entertainment at this point in the week.'

'Bake Off is the calming distraction I need': Meanwhile, viewers were quick to take to Twitter to thank the series for 'bringing back a slice of happiness' after the Queen's death 

So sad: The country's longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, died 'peacefully', aged 96, at Balmoral in Scotland on Thursday

The Great British Bake Off aired as planned on Tuesday amid recent scheduled changes following the Queen's death.

Her Majesty passed away aged 96 on Thursday afternoon at Balmoral Castle and her coffin arrived at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday ahead of her funeral on Monday. 

Amid a period of mourning following the death of the country's longest-reigning monarch, many TV shows have been cancelled in favour of news coverage.

Strictly Come Dancing's launch show has been postponed until Friday September 23, after originally being set to air on September 17, but Channel 4's Great British Bake Off went ahead as planned.

GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?

Carol loves to garden and even hosts her own gardening show on local radio

Carol

Age: 59

Occupation: Supermarket cashier

From: Dorset

Carol loves to garden and even hosts her own gardening show on local radio. She loves creating colourful and eclectic bakes that are inspired by her passion for horticulture. 

Originally from Libya Maisam's favourite flavours are inspired by her Mediterranean heritage

Maisam

Age: 18

Occupation: Student & sales assistant 

From: Greater Manchester

Originally from Libya Maisam's favourite flavours are inspired by her Mediterranean heritage. 

She speaks five languages and aims to make that seven by the time she turns 20. 

Swedish born Maxy's Scandinavian upbringing features heavily in her bakes

Maxy

Age: 29

Occupation: Architectural assistant 

From: London

Swedish born Maxy's Scandinavian upbringing features heavily in her bakes with lots of cinnamon and saffron.

She studied fine art and went on to achieve a Masters degree in Architecture. 

His ethos in the kitchen is to use the best, seasonal ingredients and to spend time refining technique – with these in hand, he believes the presentation will take care of itself 

Kevin

Age: 33

Occupation: Music teacher

From: Lanarkshire

His ethos in the kitchen is to use the best, seasonal ingredients and to spend time refining technique – with these in hand, he believes the presentation will take care of itself. 

A talented musician, who not only teaches but also performs as a saxophonist.

Great with kids Sandro likes to infuse his bakes with flavours from his Angolan heritage

Sandro 

Age: 30

Occupation: Nanny

From: London

Great with kids Sandro likes to infuse his bakes with flavours from his Angolan heritage – the spice of paprika paired with tangy cheese, and sweet bakes smothered in dulce de leche. 

Malaysian born Syabira loves giving exotic twists to British classics

Syabira

Age: 32

Occupation: Cardiovascular Research Associate

From: London

Malaysian born Syabira loves giving exotic twists to British classics – chicken rendang Cornish pasties are a particular favourite. 

Dawn prides herself on her steady hand and attention to detail, especially when it comes to the intricacy required for lace patterns on biscuits= 

Dawn  

Age: 60 

Occupation: IT Manager

From: Bedfordshire

Dawn prides herself on her steady hand and attention to detail, especially when it comes to the intricacy required for lace patterns on biscuits. 

Her favourite flavours are lemon, salted caramel and anything nutty. 

Scientist James loves the technical side of baking and his signature is ‘child-friendly horror’ style decoration.

James

Age: 25

Occupation: Nuclear Scientist

From: Cumbria

Scientist James loves the technical side of baking and his signature is ‘child-friendly horror’ style decoration.

 His loves anything autumnal, such as mixed spice, apples and caramel.

Polish born Janusz describes his baking as 'colourful and camp'

Janusz

Age: 34

Occupation: Personal Assistant

From: East Sussex

Polish born Janusz describes his baking as 'colourful and camp'.

 He  loves working Polish ingredients into British dishes.

Rebs has recently started to play around with Middle Eastern ingredients

Rebecca

Age: 23

Occupation: Masters Student

From: County Antrim

Rebs has recently started to play around with Middle Eastern ingredients – in a nod to her boyfriend Jack’s Turkish family heritage.

His passion for baking began when he was two, when his mum would give him her pastry trimmings to turn into little jam tarts

Will

Age: 45

Occupation: Former Charity Director

From: London

Will loves the technical side and is a fan of using yeast in his cooking -  in more places than just bread!

His passion for baking began when he was two, when his mum would give him her pastry trimmings to turn into little jam tarts.

Abdul applies his precision thinking to the chemistry of baking and says Matcha is his favourite flavour 

Abdul

Age: 29

Occupation: Electronics Engineer

From: London

Abdul applies his precision thinking to the chemistry of baking and says Matcha is his favourite flavour. 

A self-confessed space nerd, his interest in baking began when he and his graduate colleagues baked for each other to brighten up their daily coffee breaks.