Great British Bake Off judge Nigella Lawson has admitted she was initially worried about the show's new special episode, which will see contestants bake alongside a loved one.
The episode, airing on Tuesday (October 6), features an audience-chosen concept where family members assist bakers with a single Signature challenge to make a cheesecake before leaving the tent. It marks the first time such a challenge has been included since the competition first aired in 2010.
Nigella's candid confession
Appearing on The One Show alongside co-star Paul Hollywood, Nigella spoke to presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp about her reservations. She said: "As we all know, food and family are both combustible areas, and so I was a bit worried about bringing them together."
Despite her concerns, the 66-year-old chef later saw the benefits of the format. She added: "But what I thought was really helpful is that it allowed the bakers to relax a bit because they were with someone who knew them and they could be themselves with. So, it kind of helped them develop and just be themselves."
Paul Hollywood's take on the challenge
Paul Hollywood also addressed the upcoming episode, explaining: "It was the audience's idea to bring in a family member or a partner and bake with them. I think it was a brilliant idea, and it's lovely to see the bakers delegate work. It's showing off, they're really showing off expertise."
Nigella's addition to the judging panel came after the departure of Prue Leith, who served as a judge for nine series, initially replacing Mary Berry. When her exit was announced, the 86-year-old said she wanted to "work less and play more," spend summers in her garden, and take European summer holidays that had previously been blocked by the show's filming schedule.
Fans welcome Nigella
Despite fans being taken aback by Prue's departure, many were pleased to see Nigella take the reins as she was formally introduced to viewers during the first episode. Host Noel Fielding told the bakers: "Bakers, welcome to the tent." Co-host Alison Hammond announced: "Big news, everyone. There's a new addition to the tent."
Within minutes, fans had taken to social media with praise. One wrote: "Sad to see Prue go, but Nigella will be great too. She'll pop her stamp on it." Another said: "Brilliant way to say goodbye to Prue and introduce Nigella! #GBBO" A third viewer posted: "Brilliant entrance, Nigella on #GBBO." One said: "Loving seeing #nigella on #gbbo. She's fabulous. Iconic." Meanwhile, another added: "Only watching #GBBO for Nigella."
