Alison Hammond has given details about the dynamic between Paul Hollywood and new Bake Off judge Nigella Lawson. The TV chef was announced as Prue Leith’s replacement on the hit Channel 4 show earlier this year. Paul, 60, and Nigella, 66, have already begun teasing audiences after posting a serious-looking selfie onto Instagram this April Fool’s Day, pretending to have been cast in German crime drama. Now that filming is underway for the new series of The Great British Bake Off, host Alison, 51, has revealed that the pair’s chemistry is ‘unbelievable’. This was met by a suggestive ‘ooo’ sound from Lorraine Kelly, 66, prompting Alison to clarify, ‘not in that sort of way’.
Alison’s Comments on the New Judge
Chatting to the presenter on her ITV show, Alison called Nigella ‘lovely’ and ‘incredible’. She then went on: ‘Obviously we’ve started, so I’ve been watching. I’m telling you, the chemistry between her and Paul is unbelievable.’ Referring to a blown-up photo of the pair on a screen, Alison continued: ‘Look, you can feel it, can’t you? Don’t they look good-looking? Look at them!’ Elaborating on her point, Alison exclaimed: ‘Honestly, they’re so good together. Because I’ll be honest with you, they don’t always agree, and it’s so good!’ Lorraine agreed in response, that this kind of contention can work.
Alison’s Role on the Show
Alison has co-hosted the show since 2023, when she joined to replace Matt Lucas who had been a fixture since 2020. She chats to the amateur bakers alongside co-presenter Noel Fielding who came on board in 2017. The presenting duo aren’t afraid of an innuendo or two, and with the addition of Nigella, the show is bound to be laden with eyebrow-raising intimations.
Nigella’s Reaction to Joining
When the How To Be A Domestic Goddess author was announced as a judge, she said was ‘uncharacteristically rather lost for words.’ She went on: ‘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 Great British Bake Off is available to watch on Channel 4.
