**Nigella Lawson Brings Her Charm to The Great British Baking Show**
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The iconic Great British Baking Show returns for its newest season, and this time, it features the culinary legend Nigella Lawson as the new judge. Hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding welcomed Lawson into the fold with open arms, praising her unique contributions and magnetic presence.
In a recent podcast segment on Dish, Hammond and Fielding provided intriguing insights into Lawson’s backstage habits and her impact on the show. The hosts expressed their admiration for Lawson, with Hammond describing her as “unbelievable” and “so beautiful,” noting that she has a captivating effect on everyone around her. Fielding added a light-hearted comment about how her beauty could be overwhelming, claiming it “hurts your eyes a little bit.”
Describing the ambience during filming, Fielding elaborated on Lawson’s approach to downtime while in the production’s shepherd’s huts. He shared a charming image of her lounging in a manner reminiscent of Cleopatra. Fielding remarked, “She’s got a stack of books, and she sort of lies like Cleopatra would lie,” as Hammond chimed in with a reference to her lying on a “chaise lounge.” Fielding jokingly conveyed the somewhat surreal experience of being invited into Lawson’s space, suggesting that one might find themselves kneeling at her feet due to the limited seating available.
Despite the informal camaraderie, the hosts highlighted the warmth with which Lawson engages the crew, sharing that she often brings treats such as artisanal cheeses, freshly baked breads, and salted granola for everyone. This gesture reflects her well-rounded approach, combining culinary expertise with a generous spirit.
The dynamics between judges Lawson and Paul Hollywood is another point of interest. While Fielding mentioned that the pair sometimes disagree in their evaluations, he described their contrasting styles as “sparky.” Hammond concurred, emphasising her appreciation for the productive tension that differing opinions can create. Fielding observed that the judges’ preferences differ, with Lawson’s taste leaning towards savoury dishes while Hollywood favours the sweeter options, but they ultimately find common ground.
Prior to the filming, Lawson and Hollywood had an “unofficial” chemistry test, where they spent ten minutes together at a Channel 4 event. Lawson reflected positively on their initial interaction, stating, “I knew instantly it was going to work.” The serendipitous connection between them was evident, with her adding a touch of humour about the outcome if they hadn’t gelled: “I bet Paul would have said so!”
Hollywood, who has been a fixture of the show since its inception, expressed his delight at having Lawson join the team. He noted that her integration into the Bake Off environment felt seamless and immediate, which speaks volumes about her adaptability and rapport with the crew. Hollywood remarked, “She picked up the Bake Off vibe straight away,” suggesting that Lawson came in with a strong sense of what the show’s spirit required.
Lawson herself touched on her emotions regarding her appointment as a judge, candidly admitting that stepping into the shoes of former judges Prue Leith and Mary Berry was daunting. In a heartfelt Instagram post earlier this year, she expressed her excitement, calling the show a “National Treasure”. Lawson described the honour of joining the panel and working with a fresh group of bakers, reflecting her genuine enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
The latest series of The Great British Baking Show is set to premiere in the U.S. on Netflix on Friday, 25 September, following its UK debut on Tuesday, 22 September. As audiences eagerly anticipate the new season, it is clear that Lawson’s addition will bring a refreshing touch to an already beloved programme. With her richness of experience in the culinary world and a flair for entertainment, viewers are sure to be in for an engaging and delectable watch.