Alison Hammond told the Dish podcast she is ‘not comfortable’ with Nigella Lawson’s nickname for her, while praising the new Great British Bake Off judge as lovely, kind and beautiful
Alison Hammond opened up on Nigella Lawson’s nickname for her (Image: Getty Images for Channel 4)
Nigella Lawson has replaced Prue Leith in the Great British Bake Off tent, and the reviews seem to be overwhelming positive. Before the series aired, Nigella admitted to being “worried” about the job as she admits she’s “not the best baker”.
Nigella admitted it was “daunting” following in the footsteps of legends like Prue and Mary Berry, but it seems she need not have worried.
Critics praised the celebrity chef with as a “brilliant addition” to the Bake Off tent, while others suggest she brings a “new lease of life” to the programme.
Nigella appears equally popular amongst her Channel 4 colleagues. Fellow judge Paul Hollywood, alongside presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, have been effusive in their praise of her, reports the Mirror.
Alison described working with Nigella as “unbelievable” while also calling her “so beautiful”. Despite their evident on-screen rapport, the This Morning presenter has confessed she feels “not comfortable” with her co-star’s pet name for her.
Speaking on the Dish podcast during an appearance with co-presenter Noel, she revealed: “She calls me her bride. I don’t know how to tell her. Oh, I’m not comfortable. It’s not going to happen.”
Nigella told the Radio Times that she was a bit nervous about her baking skills before the series began.
She said: “I was a bit worried because, well, you wouldn’t mark me up for my polished finishes as a baker. Generally speaking, I don’t think of myself as a judge.
“I came to baking later in life and because of that, it’s something that intrigues and fascinates me. I’ve learnt by doing and I’m a home baker, not a professional.
“It’s quite interesting because the contestants are home bakers, too, so I have sympathy for that.”
Nigella’s Bake Off debut marks the first alteration to the line-up since Alison succeeded Matt Lucas as one of the presenters in 2023. The move appears to have been warmly welcomed as an infusion of glamour into the beloved programme.
Alison in particular seems delighted by the selection of Nigella to succeed Prue, who stepped down after nine years as a judge.
Alison said: “I’m so happy. It’s unbelievable (working with Nigella Lawson). She is so beautiful. When she walks in, everyone just stops in their tracks. How is she that beautiful? She’s so lovely as well, really nice. I was watching her in make-up. She’s just so kind.”
Noel, who has been part of the programme for nearly a decade, also shared an entertaining behind-the-scenes story which highlights Nigella’s standing within the industry.
He explained: “We have these little sort of shepherd’s huts that we all have, and they face each other, and you can just see Nigella in her shepherd’s hut.
“She’s got a stack of books and she sort of lies there like Cleopatra would on a chaise lounge. 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.”
What about the relationship between Paul Hollywood – the sole cast member who has remained with the show since it began in 2010 – and Nigella Lawson?
According to Noel, they don’t always see eye to eye, which naturally creates compelling viewing. However, they typically manage to find common ground.
He said: “Sometimes they don’t agree and it’s quite exciting television. They have slightly different tastes, they always end up resolving it and coming together. It’s quite sparky when they don’t agree.”
