Twitter couldn’t handle the sass of Tim Farron’s Bake Off burn during the BBC Election Debate

There’s been much ado about Theresa May’s refusal to show up to the BBC election debate (#WheresTheresa?) and her decision to send Home Secretary Amber Rudd in her place… even though Jeremy Corbyn chose to attend at the last minute.

But while yesterday’s battle of the leaders was saturated with the usual sound-bites, vague promises and screeches of seven people barking at one another, there was one statement that really stood out.

At the end of the debate it was Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron who delivered the zinger of the night:

“Amber Rudd is up next. She is not the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister isn’t here. She can’t be bothered. So why should you? In fact Bake Off is on BBC2 next. Why not make a brew. You’re not worth Theresa May’s time. Don’t give her yours.”

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister had made her excuses for not turning up – including that she couldn’t possibly let herself be distracted by an election, even if she did call it herself. No, instead she is focusing on Brexit.

Theresa May asked why she won't appear on tonight's #BBCDebate with other party leaders https://t.co/h9Ad0bpZ7a #GE2017 pic.twitter.com/maDxrKxLB6

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) May 31, 2017

Twitter was absolutely delighted with Farron’s flair – including one Bake Off contestant…

TIM PLAYS THE BAKE OFF CARD ???????? #BBCdebate

— Andrew Smyth (@cakesmyth) May 31, 2017

when tim farron said to switch to the bake off on bbc2 instead of listening to amber rudd #bbcdebate pic.twitter.com/lIpU0wuE8c

— David Scott (@davidscott93) May 31, 2017

Tim Farron sliding in with with the Bake Off shade like #BBCdebate pic.twitter.com/xKEx7oKpFD

— ???? Mother of Buns ???? (@junk0tears) May 31, 2017

Tim Farron's bake off comment #BBCDebate pic.twitter.com/whJKqMCDpR

— Ellen Sharman (@EllenSharman) May 31, 2017

Tim Farron: "Do you know what, Bake Off is on BBC 2 next" #BBCDebate pic.twitter.com/y9UMsubZAX

— Tentative Ellipses (@ErinLea7) May 31, 2017

There were, however, a few extremely disappointed fans who took pains to point out that it was NOT in fact the almighty Bake Off which was about to air on BBC2 – because, you know, it moved to Channel 4, remember? – but that Farron had instead pointed us in the direction of spin-off show, Creme de la Creme. Sheesh!

Tim Farron said Bake Off was on next but it was the Bake Off spin off. I was pretty disappointed TBH #BBCdebate https://t.co/8EB9thOJOU

— Adam Wagner (@AdamWagner1) May 31, 2017

@timfarron dude, you got me and the mrs hyped! Only to be let down when we realised there actually is no Bake Off on BBC2 #BBCDebate

— Mark Lisle (@LisleOnTheDial) May 31, 2017

Dear Tim Farron: Bake Off Creme de la Creme is not "Bake Off". Good grief. #BBCDebate

— Zyra Claudius (@ZyraClaudius) May 31, 2017

Bake Off is not on BBC Two, Tim Farron. It's bloody Bake Off Creme de la Creme. LYING POLITICIAN FAKE NEWS #BBCDebate

— Robert Colvile (@rcolvile) May 31, 2017