Howard Middleton, who competed on The Great British Bake Off in 2013, has shared his thoughts on Nigella Lawson taking over from Dame Prue Leith as a judge on the show. Lawson has joined Paul Hollywood, Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding for the 17th series, which continues tonight, September 29, with Biscuit Week.
Middleton, who made it to week six in series four before being sent home by Paul Hollywood and former judge Dame Mary Berry, spoke on behalf of Smooth Spins. He admitted to feeling some uncertainty about the new appointment.
Mixed feelings over new judge
“I'm a little bit trepidatious because you hope that she's going to be fantastic, and I think she will be, but you have to wait and see how she interacts with Paul, Noel, Alison and the bakers,” Middleton said.
He added: “I really hope she's going to be fabulous because I love Nigella. Her book ‘How to Be a Domestic Goddess’ was one of the ones that really got me into baking in the first place, so fingers crossed she's going to be great.”
Nigella and Prue react
After her new role was announced, Lawson 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!”
Dame Prue also shared her support for her replacement on This Morning. “Well, I didn't have to give her any tips but I did tell her to just enjoy it because she is so good,” she said.
Support from Channel 4
“She was quite nervous but she's totally well qualified, and she knows exactly what she's doing,” Prue continued, adding that “the audience love her and Paul loves her”. She also shared that she had already seen Lawson and Hollywood together and “they’re getting on fine,” adding: “She’s so nice. I was glad it’s her.”
Ian Katz, Chief Content Officer at Channel 4, previously said: “We’re incredibly excited about the marriage of two great British icons: Bake Off and Nigella. With Nigella joining the tent, Love Productions have created the dream team of British telly.”
The Great British Bake Off continues tonight at 8pm on Channel 4.
