Nigella Lawson says Bake Off shuns TV “bullying” – as Paul Hollywood delivers verdict on his new judge

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Channel 4 announced earlier this year that Nigella Lawson will be the new judge on The Great British Bake Off, replacing Prue Leith.

The celebrity chef is thrilled to become a judge, though she acknowledges it’s intimidating to follow in the footsteps of Prue Leith and Mary Berry. However, she’s ready to embrace the challenge.

Nigella Lawson recently shared her excitement about joining the show, saying she’s thrilled to be part of the team. However, she also admitted to feeling a little intimidated, explaining that while she’s an experienced baker and writer on the subject, she’s not always the most precise. She joked that she’ll likely be wondering why she’s the one doing the judging!

For over 15 years, The Great British Bake Off has been a beloved part of British television. The show is still incredibly popular, and with a new judge and a refreshed format, it’s going strong. Nigella Lawson believes she understands exactly why viewers keep coming back to this Channel 4 favorite.

You know, as a big fan of The Great British Bake Off, I think what really gets to people isn’t just the fun of watching it. It feels deeper than that. Lately, so many of us have lost that feeling of being truly connected to a community, and Bake Off just celebrates that sense of togetherness. It’s comforting to watch people supporting each other and creating something beautiful as a group – it really resonates.

Lawson pointed out that despite being a competition, Bake Off is fundamentally about bakers working together and supporting each other. She emphasized that the show avoids the harsh negativity seen in many other competitive programs, stating this is a common issue across the board.

That’s really crucial – it helps audiences feel comfortable, secure, and like they belong. It’s great to see that done well, because it’s becoming less and less common.

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As Nigella Lawson prepares to film the new season at Welford Park, she’s hinted at her judging style, saying she focuses on enjoying the dishes rather than criticizing them.

When talking to Paul Hollywood, Nigella Lawson explained that it’s best to start by pointing out the positive aspects of something you’re evaluating, and then gently mention areas that could be improved. Focusing on what you genuinely like first makes the feedback easier to receive.

Trying to tear people down with criticism isn’t helpful – it never is. Focusing on encouragement and finding joy is much more valuable, and that’s what we should all aim for. I find it hard to stay silent when I see something I think could be improved, as I tend to offer suggestions and get involved.

As a film buff, I’ve been following Lawson for a while now, and it’s great to see Hollywood finally recognizing her talent. I saw reports – even TopMob mentioned it – saying she really knows her stuff, and honestly, I couldn’t agree more.

He explained that it all boils down to expertise. Mary, Prue, and Nigella all have incredible palates and a deep understanding of food – they’re all cut from the same cloth.

Ultimately, it’s about sharing expertise and creating a comfortable atmosphere – both Mary and Prue did that beautifully, and I’m confident Nigella will do the same, helping the bakers relax and feel confident.

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The Great British Bake Off returns to Channel 4 later this year.

Authors

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah writes about entertainment for TopMob, covering everything from popular TV shows and reality competitions to important documentaries. Before joining TopMob, she worked at The Tab, where she focused on reality TV and celebrity news. She has a degree in Journalism.

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2026-02-13 17:34