Gogglebox star Mary was unimpressed with Nigella Lawson's introduction on the new series of The Great British Bake Off, branding the sketch 'pathetically bad'.
Nigella, 66, has replaced Prue Leith, who announced her departure from the baking competition after eleven years earlier this year. During the first episode of the new-look series, a sketch showed Prue stepping into a Tardis where she 'regenerated' into Nigella.
Gogglebox reaction to the Tardis sketch
As the Gogglebox crew watched the scene, Sue and Steve said 'Oh, Prue!', while Georgia joked: 'Don't tell me Prue's leaving Bake Off to be Doctor Who'. Helena called Nigella a 'goddess' when she emerged from the Tardis, and Jake giggled as he said: 'I'm gonna have to start watching [Bake Off].'
Giles said 'Doctor Prue Mary', to which Mary replied, clearly unimpressed: 'Pathetically bad.' However, she did concede that Nigella looked 'beautiful' when Giles pointed out how lovely she looked.
Critics and fans praise Nigella's debut
Most viewers and critics have welcomed Nigella's arrival. Metro's Adam Miller wrote that her debut 'feels more like a perfectly executed introduction – a nod to her unrivalled legacy – than a sycophantic celebration of her arrival'. He also congratulated the show for remembering that despite Nigella arguably being the biggest thing to happen to Bake Off, the brightest stars are still the contestants themselves.
Anita Singh at The Telegraph agreed that Nigella brought a new lease of life to the series and called her the perfect replacement for Prue.
Fans also shared their approval on X. @CharismaDonor wrote: 'Nigella Lawson on Bake Off is an A+++.' @Will_Kellogg said: 'Nigella Lawson is the best thing that's happened to Bake Off since they added Alison Hammond.' @ixzyan_kedua tweeted: 'I have been a Nigella Stan since day dot, love her and she's perfect for the show!!!'
Bake Off continues on Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4.
