Paul Hollywood leaves Bake Off fans reeling after revealing his controversial stance on the classic British Victoria Sponge

Celebrity chef Paul Hollywood has sent left Bake Off fans reeling after claiming one of the most iconic British cakes ‘doesn’t exist’.

The 58-year-old, best known for being a judge on the programme as well as authoring numerous baking books, has come under fire after his statement sent shockwaves through our dessert-loving nation.

Paul controversially said that the iconic Victoria Sponge cake is actually not a cake at all – but a sandwich.

The classic strawberry jam-filled treat is a staple when it comes to celebratory food and is loved by royals, including the Princess of Wales.

However, the nation is divided on what its actual name is, with some Brits referring to it as a Victoria Sponge and others as a Victoria Sandwich.

Paul Hollywood has ignited the Victoria Sponge debate, claiming it should be referred to as a ‘sandwich’ rather than a ‘sponge’

The Victoria Sponge divide has come back into the limelight after baking legend Paul nailed his flag to the sandwich post.

The chef, originally from Wallasey, propped up his argument by saying that Mary Berry also referred to it as a sandwich. 

He said in the video, ‘Victoria Sponge doesn’t exist. I’ve got no idea [why it’s been called that].

‘I worked with Mary Berry for years, I heard her say Victoria Sandwich a lot. Prue [Leith] says Victoria Sandwich. 

‘That’s the name because it’s a sandwich. Victoria Sponge doesn’t exist, that’s a fact.’

Great British Bake Off fans have been left shocked by the chef’s recent comments, taking to TikTok to voice their disagreement in the comments section of the video. 

GBB fan Gregory said of Paul’s comments on the social media platform: ‘It exists because that’s what people call it.’

While Phoebe stated: ‘My whole childhood has been a lie.’ 

Another shocked viewer, Jake, added on TikTok: ‘It’s a Victoria Sponge.’

The Great British Bake Off judge – pictured – has divided fans with his rigid approach to the debate

Bake Off fans took to TikTok to express their disapproval of Paul’s comments

Another fan, Sereya, commented: ‘I’ve been calling it Victoria Sponge my whole life.’

And Taryn added: ‘My great grandma always called it a Victoria Sponge cake and she was born in 1914 and her mum baked for her family’s bakery. So I’ll keep calling it a Victoria Sponge cake.’

The origins of the cake can be traced back to Queen Victoria’s reign, with Food historian Alysa Levene claiming in her 2016 book ‘Cake: A Slice of History’ that the Queen was particularily fond of this simple cake and enjoyed a slice with her afternoon cup of tea. 

The version Queen Victoria ate is thought to have just been filled with jam, but modern versions usually include a layer of cream or buttercream. 

It comes following another shocking blow for Victoria Sponge fans this month, after Cheesecake was voted the top teatime treat of all time – beating the classic British delicacy.

A poll of 2,000 adults revealed chocolate cake and carrot cake in second and third place, followed by lemon drizzle.

Despite the Victoria sponge being one of the most iconic British bakes, a quarter (25 per cent) of Brits voted the American cheesecake’s creamy texture and versatile flavours as number one to satisfy their tastebuds.

Other non-traditional bakes that made the top 30 list include doughnuts, banoffee pie and cinnamon buns as adults move away from classic cakes to sweet treats more commonly found across the pond.

And while 60 per cent say they prefer traditional cakes, modern-day bakes such as pistachio croissants and chocolate Oreo cake also made the list.

 The study was commissioned by community retailer SPAR to celebrate the Blooming Great Tea Party with end-of-life charity Marie Curie, which is encouraging people to bake their favourite cakes and hold a tea party to raise money.