Great British Bake Off judge Nigella Lawson has addressed a common misconception about her voice, revealing that a slight slur often leads people to wrongly assume she has been drinking.
The 66-year-old is making her debut on the baking show this series, joining fellow judge Paul Hollywood and presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding. She takes over from Dame Prue Leith, who had held the position since 2017 when the show moved from the BBC to Channel 4, and who herself had replaced Dame Mary Berry.
During an interview with Sara Cox on BBC Radio 2 earlier this month, Lawson wanted to clear up something people consistently get wrong about her. Responding to Sara's remark about how "iconic" and "wonderful" her voice was, the celebrated television chef explained the reason behind her distinctive tone.
Addressing the misconception
"But the thing is it's difficult, because I have a slight slur," she said. "People always think I've been drinking, but I have a slur in my voice."
This is not the first time Lawson has addressed her manner of speaking. In 2023, she confessed to feeling anxious about pronouncing the word "microwave" after a clip of her saying it as "micro-wah-vay" went viral.
During an appearance on BBC Breakfast nearly three years ago, she admitted to adopting an alternative three-word phrase for the kitchen appliance. "I wasn't quite aware I'd said it, because that's what I call it at home... It's made me quite self-conscious now," she said. "I tend to refer to it as the you-know-what now."
New role on Bake Off
Despite this, it has done little to hinder Lawson's flourishing career, as she has established herself as one of Britain's most recognisable television chefs.
Ahead of the first episode of series 17, Lawson confessed to feeling somewhat apprehensive in an Instagram post in August. "I'm a bit nervous, very excited, and extremely happy: Bake Off is back on our screens next month!" she wrote. "I've loved every minute. It's a real honour to be part of something so special."
In a further post, she expressed gratitude to her co-stars. "Thank you @paul.hollywood @alisonhammond55 and @noel_fielding for making me feel so instantly part of the family," she said. "You three plus cake: talk about the dream job!"
Following in famous footsteps
Shortly after her appointment was made public, Lawson acknowledged the legacy she was stepping into. "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 said.
Lawson, alongside Paul, Alison and Noel, returns to British screens tonight (October 13) at 8pm, as The Great British Bake Off makes its comeback on Channel 4.
