The Great British Bake Off host Alison Hammond appeared on ITV’s Lorraine on Monday
Nigella Lawson has entered the Bake Off tent(Image: Instagram/@nigellalawson)
A Great British Bake Off star has opened up about Nigella Lawson’s chemistry with Paul Hollywood.
Nigella has taken over from Prue Leith as the latest judge, where she will join Paul, Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding in the tent for the upcoming season that’s set to air later this year.
Alison appeared on ITV’s Lorraine on Monday (May 4), where she spoke to Lorraine Kelly about the new series, which has begun filming.
Lorraine said: “There’s a new judge. How’s that all going? Have you met up?”
Alison replied: “She’s so lovely. Nigella is incredible. Obviously we’ve started, so I’ve been watching.”
She added: “I’m telling you, the chemistry between her and Paul is unbelievable,” before clarifying: “Not in that sort of way!”
A picture of Paul and Nigella was then shown on screen, with Alison saying: “Don’t they look good looking?”
Lorraine jokingly added: “Do you know what, that looks like a crime scene, doesn’t it?!”
Alison continued: “But honestly, they’re so good together! I’ll be honest with you, they don’t always agree – it’s so good,” with Lorraine concluding: “No, that’s fine, and that works.”
Prue Leith announced her exit from the hit competition back in January after nine years. The 85-year-old restaurateur and broadcaster first joined the series in 2017 when it moved from the BBC to Channel 4, and has been a beloved fixture on it ever since.
In a statement, she said: “Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life for nine years. I have genuinely loved it and I’m sure I’ll miss working with my fellow judge Paul, Alison and Noel, and the teams at Love Productions and Channel 4.”
Speaking about stepping into Prue’s shoes, Nigella said: “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.”
She added: “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 Great British Bake Off returns to Channel 4 later this year