I love the show. I watched reruns God knows how many times.
But, after watching several times, I am absolutely convinced that the judges did favor certain participants. Richard, the builder was supposed to win - they gave it to Nancy, she was great, but not as great as Richard. Andrew, the engineer, or Jane, one of them deserved to win, they gave victory to Candice, who baked atrociously looking cakes, and failed more times then won. It was so evident, it made me sick. I am referring to all the episodes where Paul and Mary were the judges. After that I can't watch this show with the same excitement.