Great British Bake Off: Bookies suspend betting on contestant amid fears winner's name has been leaked

Credit: BBC/Great British Bake Off

The new series of Great British Bake Off got underway tonight but one bookmakers has suspended betting on one contestant amid fears the winner's name has already been leaked.

Ladbrokes reported a flurry of bets - particularly in shops around Ipswich - for one contestant whose odds started at 12/1 and were reduced to 6/1, 3/1 and then evens.

Many customers placed the highest bet possible on one contestant, raising suspicion among betting shop staff.

Betting has now been suspended while the situation is "assessed", a Ladbrokes spokesperson confirmed.

Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins with judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood. Credit: BBC/Great British Bake Off

Professional musician Stuart Henshall became the first contestant to exit the show.

The 35-year-old failed to impress judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry with his experimental take on a Black Forest Gateau, which he made using beetroot.

His Madeira cake was also a letdown and he struggled in the technical challenge.

Professional musician Stuart Henshall was the first to leave. Credit: BBC/Great British Bake Off

Henshall admitted it was a disappointment to be the first of the 12 eliminated.

"My worst moment was definitely being the first to go out, after the excitement of getting there; somebody has to go first and overall it has been a great experience, without a doubt," he said.

"I felt disappointed in myself initially after leaving in the first episode, as I felt I didn't perform as well as I could. I just hope I don't disappoint people in my life - but it's onwards and upwards!"