Alison Hammond

Bake Off has been shaken up for the new Channel 4 series with Nigella Lawson replacing Prue Leith alongside Paul Hollywood

Nigella Lawson spent her breaks filming the Great British Bake Off lying on a chaise longue reading books – with the show hosts in awe and only entering her room when summoned. The TV cook, 66, has replaced Dame Prue Leith on the series, who herself replaced Berry in 2017.

Speaking about working with her, host Alison Hammond said: “Unbelievable. Yeah, she is so beautiful. When she walked in, I was like that, everyone just stops in their tracks- and looks, and you’re like. How is she that beautiful? She’s so lovely as well. Really nice.”

Co-host Noel Fielding added: “We have these little sort of shepherd’s huts that we all sort of have, and they face each other, and you can just see Nigella in her shepherd’s hut currently reading.

“She’s got a stack of books- and she sort of lies like- Cleopatra would lie. On a chaise longue. And sometimes as you’re walking by, she summons you in, and you sort of kneel down at her feet- because she lies across the whole thing- so there’s nowhere to sit. Like a child in assembly. She’s amazing.”

The pair also said Nigella’s fellow judge Paul Hollywood sometimes strips down to a vest and cook pizzas during his breaks from filming – with Alison being particularly impressed.

Speaking on the Dish podcast, Alison revealed: “He’s got a pizza oven, obviously. An inbuilt pizza oven- doesn’t he? Anywhere he goes, he wheels a pizza oven. I think when we were filming Bake Off in the bubble during the pandemic, he brought his pizza oven.

“So, he would do a pizza night- and he’d get out that big shovel, you know. And he’d always have sort of some vest top on, so his muscles would be out. He’d be getting bronzed by the fire- like an advert. Diet Coke advert. And he’d be up there with like, you know, tea towel tucked in. That got me excited.”

Hollywood has described his new Bake Off co-judge Nigella Lawson as being “warmer” to the contestants than Mary Berry.

Speaking to the Radio Times about his on-screen chemistry with his new co-star, baker Paul described her as a “very warm person, especially to the bakers”.

He said: “There’s a very nurturing nature to Nigella, which was quite strong this year.”

Comparing Nigella to the previous judges, he continued: “Mary was different to Prue, Prue was different to Nigella and Nigella is different to Mary.

“They each bring their own character to it, and Nigella is a very warm person, especially to the bakers. More so than Mary was and I think more akin to Prue.

“There’s a very nurturing nature to Nigella, which was quite strong this year. Whereas me, I suppose I’m the constant. So I remain in my position of being constructively critical.”

* The full interview with Alison and Noel is on the Dish from Waitrose podcast, out now.

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Former The Great British Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc opened up about past moments of jealousy in a candid insight into her friendship with a co-star

The Great British Bake Off returns for its 17th series, with hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding at the helm alongside judges Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson, who makes her debut on the show. Before the programme moved to Channel 4, presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins fronted the series for six years.

The gig was one of many the pair took on together during their long-running friendship, which Mel has now revealed hasn’t always been smooth sailing. The broadcaster said their relationship has gone through “phases”, with periods when they’re inseparable and other times when they’ve been “off” with each other.

Speaking on the Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball, Mel explained that she and Sue are currently in one of their closer spells, chatting and seeing each other frequently. At the time of recording, the pair were also preparing to reunite at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

“There’s a real friendship there, you’ve known each other for ages and you know you’ve got each other’s backs and I think that is such a lovely thing,” she shared. Though keen not to be “disingenuous”, Mel admitted there had been moments of jealousy.

“There’s been times over the last 39 years or whatever that I’ve known Sue, I’m sure that we’ve had moments of a little bit of jealously and, sort of, off with each other but, you know, at base you’ve got each other and it’s everything,” she shared.

“It really is everything and the older I get the more I realise that you have to cling to the real proper quality.”

Mel and Sue released a statement in 2016 when the show left the BBC, saying they were “very shocked and saddened” by the news. In the statement at the time, they praised the BBC for helping shape the programme’s tone and for growing its audience from two million to nearly 15 million.

They also confirmed they were “not going with the dough”, while wishing the future bakers well.

After their departure, the hosting role passed to Sandi Toksvig, who left in 2020, and Noel Fielding, who now presents the show alongside Alison Hammond.

The current judging panel consists of Paul Hollywood, who has been part of the programme since it began, and Nigella Lawson, who makes her debut after stepping into Prue Leith’s shoes.

The new series returns tonight, with 12 amateur bakers entering the tent in the hope of impressing the judges and being crowned this year’s champion.

Away from Bake Off, Mel and Sue have also returned to screens with their Saturday night gameshow Win Win with Postcode Lottery.

The Great British Bake Off airs tonight at 8pm on Channel 4

Mel Giedroyc hosted The Great British Bake Off for seven years between from 2010 to 2016, but one contestant shared what she’s really like once the cameras stop filming

Mel Giedroyc showed her true personality to contestants when cameras weren’t rolling during filing of The Great British Bake Off. Mel Giedroyc hosted The Great British Bake Off for seven years between from 2010 to 2016 and left the show when it moved from the BBC to Channel 4, famously stating they were “not going with the dough”.

Over her time on the show she met dozens of contestants and hundreds of filming and production crews – with one show member lifting the lid on what she was like once the cameras stop rolling. Former contestant Howard Middleton, a graphic designer from Sheffield who left on week six of series four the show.

He shared one moment where he believes Mel showed her true colours once the cameras were not rolling in the tent.

Speaking to Smooth Spins Casino, former GBBO contestant Howard Middleton said: “They [Mel and Sue Perkins] were so funny. They were lovely. I remember there was one occasion where Mel came up and asked whether I wanted a cup of tea.

“And there were no cameras or anything like that. She actually asked one of the runners to get one for me; she didn’t make it herself, but it was just that consideration and warmth, which was very genuine.”

Nigella Lawson replaces Prue Leith for 2026 Great British Bake Off

Earlier this year, Prue Leith 86-year-old announced it was the ‘right time’ to leave The Great British Bake Off after nine years on the show. However, in her place, viewers will welcome Nigella Lawson to the tent as the 66-year-old will be judging this year’s contestants alongside Paul.

Sharing his thoughts on the newcomer, Paul told Radio Times how each person he’s worked alongside has varied from one another.

He remarked that Mary Berry was different from Prue and Prue was different to Nigella before adding ‘Nigella is different to Mary’. Admitting how each of them brought their ‘own character’ to the programme, he highlighted that Nigella is a ‘very warm’ person, especially to the contestants taking part in the competition.

However, Paul commented that he’s the ‘constant’ as he remains the ‘constructively critical’ judge. Although people are welcoming a new face to the tent, presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding are returning as hosts once again.

Channel 4 viewers were treated to a glimpse of Nigella in the iconic tent during a brief teaser clip revealing the show’s return date. She walked towards the camera in a purple jumpsuit before playfully pretending to tuck into the lens as though it was a sweet treat.

When it was announced that Nigella was joining the Channel 4 show, she had nothing but excitement. Nigella commented: “I’m uncharacteristically rather lost for words right now!

“Of course, it’s daunting to be following in the footsteps of Prue Leith and Mary Berry before her, great dames both, but I’m also bubbling with excitement.

“The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme, it’s a National Treasure – and it’s a huge honour to be entrusted with it.

“I’m just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come. I wish the marvellous Prue all the best, and am giddily grateful for the opportunity!”

The 100 year old scooped the TV presenter prize, having been nominated alongside Alison Hammond, Ant and Dec, Claudia Winkleman and Stacey Solomon

Sir David Attenborough used his National Television Awards acceptance speech to highlight the “terrible plight of our wonderful planet”.

The 100 year old scooped the TV presenter prize, having been nominated alongside Alison Hammond, Ant and Dec, Claudia Winkleman and Stacey Solomon.

Although Sir David was absent from the ceremony, a speech was delivered on his behalf.

He said: “I hope this award is a response to the part television has played in growing recognition, not only for the terrible plight our wonderful planet is in as a result of human activity but also of the fact we now have a pressing responsibility to do what we can to protect and conserve it.

“I am honoured indeed. We are increasingly aware that if we are to repair the planet we need major national and international initiatives which certainly require our support, but it is also possible to make small differences in our own spaces and neighbourhoods.

“If enough small differences are made they do add up to doing something significant, while also providing spaces that we do enjoy being in and nurturing.”

Attenborough added: “Humanity has always needed the natural world for all the practicalities of life and for our mental wellbeing. Now the natural world needs us too. Surely we must not ignore that simple fact.”

The internationally adored naturalist received two NTA nominations this year, with his nature documentary Secret Garden also recognised in the factual entertainment category.

However, it was Gogglebox that walked away with that particular accolade. Sir David launched his presenting journey fronting Zoo Quest in 1954, subsequently helming documentary programmes The Life Collection, Natural World, Wildlife on One, the Planet Earth franchise, The Blue Planet and Frozen Planet.

EXCLUSIVE Great British Bake Off spin off show Extra Slice has been replaced with a new show called Second Helpings which will now run alongside the main show with new hosts too.

Channel 4 are revamping the spin off show for The Great British Bake Off for the first time in 12 years – with new hosts and a show which airs the same day the main show goes out.

Extra Slice, which has been on screen for more than a decade and was fronted by Jo Brand and Tom Allen, will be replaced by a new series called Second Helpings hosted by Bake Off superfan Jon Richardson and Loose Women star Judi Love.

They’ll be joined by celebrity guests and bakers to look at the drama that has happened earlier in the evening on Channel 4. An insider said the plan was part of a major revamp for the show this year and an overhaul which has also seen Nigella Lawson join as a new judge, replacing Prue Leith who quit earlier this year.

“This is going to be a fresh new show, very different in style to Extra Slice,” a source told the Mirror. No strangers to the Bake Off tent, Jon and Judi have both previously taken part in The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer, with varied results.

Confirming her new job, Judi said: “I’ve been lucky enough to be in the tent a few times and work alongside Jon, both were pure joy! Joining the show to talk all things baking and celebrate showstopping bakes, including some unique spins sounds like absolute blast. I can’t wait to get started and of course eat a few cakes or whatever treats they may have.”

Joking about his new job and paying tribute to the previous hosts, Jon, 43, said: “Bake Off is an institution. Jo Brand is a comedy God. Together with Tom Allen, they have made a spin off show that is warm, witty and unique. I pity the poor sap they lure into stepping into those shoes.”

Jo and Tom seem to have taken the news of the revamp well, which has ultimately seen them sidelined after fronting Extra Slice for many years. Jo was first on Extra Slice when it aired on BBC and then continued to work on Bake Off when it moved to Channel 4 in 2017.

The comedian said: “I’ve loved every minute of Extra Slice. The bakers have been brilliant, talented and remarkably calm for people whose pork pies are being discussed on national television. And working alongside my TV husband Tom has obviously been a joy, he’s always been more immaculately presented than anything in the tent.”

Tom, who joined in 2018, added: “I have loved working with the team and with the kindest person in television, Jo Brand. It’s been a joy to meet so many delightful Home Bakers from all over the world and learn about them through their cake creations. Please don’t tell anyone, but I have stolen the whisk.”

The new show will also bring viewers exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and unexpected revelations from those in the know, including Bake Off hosts and judges Alison Hammond, Noel Fielding, Paul Hollywood and new judge Nigella.

Sarah Lazenby from makers Love Productions, said: “We’re delighted to be serving up Second Helpings of Bake Off with comedy pals Jon and Judi. Together they’ll unpack all the gossip and memorable moments from the tent over a cup of tea in Cake Corner.”

Senior Commissioning Editor, Channel 4, Vivienne Molokwu agreed: “We have revamped Extra Slice by giving it a brand-new shape and a brand-new home.

“Second Helpings will be available on the same night as Bake Off meaning viewers don’t have to wait long to chew over what’s gone down in the tent. With the deliciously funny Jon and Judi at the helm we’ll all have a hilarious time talking all things sweet treats”.

Second Helpings will air weekly on Channel 4 alongside the new series of the Great British Bake Off when it begins later this month.

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