Fans of The Great British Bake Off were somewhat distracted from the actual baking by presenter Noel Fielding’s new haircut.

The comedian’s new look saw him sporting a much shorter crop with large, shapely sideburns.

During the first episode of the new series, Fielding – who previously sported longer, fuller locks – joked about his new image to one of the bakers.

He said he was going for an “Elvis slash Shakin’ Stevens” aesthetic, but added that his co-host Sandi Toksvig reckoned it was more KD Lang.

A post from the Bake Off’s official Twitter page quipped: “A nationwide search is under way for Noel’s goth hair. Please share to spread awareness. #GBBO.”

Viewers were torn over his new image as many took to Twitter to air their thoughts, with one joking that he looked like “a bad Noel Fielding impersonator”.

There were some positive remarks about the star’s hair.

One fan even had her mother sending her pictures of the TV to show off Fielding’s new barnet.

The first episode of the new series saw baker Imelda from Northern Ireland booted from the Bake Off tent, while London-based French contestant Manon was named Star Baker.

The Great British Bake Off continues on Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4.