The Reason Rahul From 'Great British Bake Off' Started Baking Is Too Much For The Internet To Handle

"Can we all work together to protect Rahul, he is too precious"

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:

Don’t you just want to give Rahul a hug every time his baking is judged? #GBBO pic.twitter.com/h5j1CtGygV

— British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) September 11, 2018

Rahul def a new favourite. "I've never been confident about anything in my life, why would oven temperature be different" #gbbo #BakeOff

— Catherine Ann (@CatherineAnnMK) September 11, 2018

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:

Rahul encountering pheasants. One of life’s simple pleasures. #GBBO pic.twitter.com/TLhIHs1uq1

— British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) September 11, 2018

He’s become an audience fave.

Rahul: "This is terrible. I am so sorry Paul. This is awful."

Paul: "This is the greatest thing I have ever eaten."

Rahul: "I can only apologise." #GBBO

— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) September 11, 2018

I feel personally invested in Rahul as a brown, bespectacled, mumbling, over-apologetic geek. #gbbo #sorry

— Sathnam Sanghera (@Sathnam) September 11, 2018

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.”

Rahul, this is the one of the purest things I have ever seen. #GBBO pic.twitter.com/i0gv0GGWiX

— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) September 11, 2018

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.

We must protect him.

RAHUL BAKES TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS 😩 HE MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS #GBBO pic.twitter.com/1Sd0Se2G2W

— Helen (@HelenMLeach) September 11, 2018

Can we all work together to protect Rahul, he is too precious. First ever summer wedding, not an outdoorsy child, bakes to make new friends and apologises for everything/ looks terrified of the world 😢#GBBO pic.twitter.com/nzVWU2g35g

— Kirsten (@kirstpe) September 11, 2018

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.

Your love for Rahul continues to rise... #GBBO #BreadWeek pic.twitter.com/1197ARj0GP

— British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) September 11, 2018

Although it’s early days – we’re only on episode 3 – we definitely know who we’ve got our eye on.

Ok, that's it. I'm officially backing Rahul. #GBBO pic.twitter.com/mdOV1qH65f

— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) September 11, 2018

We’re here for you Rahul.

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