Tuesday’s bread-themed ‘Great British Bake Off’ was stuffed with delicious drama. We saw a filling of tension as we prayed the naans would rise, a drizzling of tradition with glazed Chelsea buns, and a side of pride as Paul Hollywood dispensed another handshake.
But star baker of the week, research scientist Rahul Mandal, hasn’t just captured the tastebuds of the judges, he’s also melted the hearts of the general public.
He’s known to be a bit harsh on himself:
And we’ve embraced his quirkiness, like the time he spotted, counted and identified the sex of two pheasants with vet-like precision, which Twitter was loving:
He’s become an audience fave.
But the cherry on top of last night’s episode was a segment so wholesome we weren’t prepared for it – the bit on why Rahul started baking, which got fans more than a little teary-eyed.
We see Rahul, wrapped up in a puffer jacket boldly striding into a Leisure Centre with a serene, yellow and orange culinary creation.
We’re then told: “Rahul moved to the UK eight years ago, and now bakes regularly to make new friends.”
The internet couldn’t deal.
The primary feeling that’s come from the revelation is that we just want to love and support him.
We also want his friendship.
The Twitter-sphere was crying out with love for the contestant in such synchronised, choir-like harmony that the Bake-Off’s Twitter put together a little momento to commemorate our collective emotional breakdown.
Although it’s early days – we’re only on episode 3 – we definitely know who we’ve got our eye on.
We’re here for you Rahul.
'Great British Bake Off' Contestants 2018
Manon(01 of12)
Open Image ModalAge: 26
Occupation: Software project manager
Did you know? Manon was born in France but only discovered her passion for baking when she moved to London. (credit:Channel 4)
Rahul(02 of12)
Open Image ModalAge: 30
Occupation: Research scientist
Did you know? Rahul moved to the UK seven years ago on a university scholarship, and has developed a fusion style of baking. (credit:Channel 4)
Terry(03 of12)
Open Image ModalAge: 56
Occupation: Retired
Did you know? Terry is a former cabin crew member and also worked as a prosthetic technician. (credit:Channel 4)
Ruby(04 of12)
Open Image ModalAge: 29
Occupation: Project manager
Did you know? Ruby says she was inspired by her mother's Indian sweets as a child. (credit:Channel 4)
Luke(05 of12)
Open Image ModalAge: 30
Occupation: Civil servant/Techno DJ
Did you know? Sheffield-born Luke has been baking for 20 years. (credit:Channel 4)
Imelda(06 of12)
Open Image ModalAge: 33
Occupation: Countryside recreation officer
Did you know? Imelda applied for the show after being inspired by her mum, who taught her how to bake. (credit:Channel 4)
Jon(07 of12)
Open Image ModalAge: 47
Occupation: Blood courier
Did you know? Jon is a father of four and loves to bake for his family. (credit:Channel 4)
Antony(08 of12)
Open Image ModalAge: 30
Occupation: Banker
Did you know? Antony says he learned his baking skills from his father. (credit:Channel 4)
Briony(09 of12)
Open Image ModalAge: 33
Occupation: Unemployed
Did you know? She learned all her baking skills from watching YouTube videos. (credit:Channel 4)
Karen(10 of12)
Open Image ModalAge: 60
Occupation: In-store sampling assistant
Did you know? Karen's baking is inspired from the 15 years she owned a house in France with her husband. (credit:Channel 4)
Kim-Joy(11 of12)
Open Image ModalAge: 27
Occupation: Mental health specialist
Did you know? Born to an English father and Malaysian-Chinese mother in Belgium, Kim-Joy grew up in London before moving to Leeds, and says her heritage is reflected in her baking. (credit:Channel 4)
Dan(12 of12)
Open Image ModalAge: 36
Occupation: Full-time dad
Did you know? Dan has spent the last six years looking after his children but says he now wants to enter the tent as something for himself. (credit:Channel 4)