Some Great British Bake Off viewers have been put off by close-up shots of new judge Nigella Lawson taking bites of the bakes, with a number saying they switched off the programme.
Nigella has taken over from Dame Prue Leith, who announced her departure earlier this year after a decade on the show. She joins fellow judge Paul Hollywood, who has been on the programme since its 2010 debut, and presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding.
Close-up bites spark backlash
The close-ups became a talking point after a Bake Off fan shared a clip on TikTok, admitting they had been “struggling” to watch. The video has since attracted 356,000 views.
The fan wrote: “Struggled with bake off tonight. Every bite Nigella seemed to take was zoomed in and massive! lol.”
Thousands responded to the footage, with many saying they had noticed the same thing. Some even admitted they had switched off the programme.
Viewers divided over Nigella's addition
One viewer remarked: “Thank god I'm not the only one! It was off putting.”
Another commented: “I thought it was just me. Never in all the years of Bake Off have I actually noticed the “bite” that any of the judges take! Nigella's massive mouthfuls drove me mad! !”
A third stated: “NO STOP! I can't watch it again.” While a fourth contributed: “I can no longer watch bake off because of this.”
Others, however, expressed their delight at Nigella joining the programme, citing her refreshingly honest personality.
One viewer said: “Be more Nigella. Get your chops round that cake girls! She's amazing, I love her. Fantastic addition to the programme.”
A second added: “Go back to her old shows...she always ate like this and that's why I couldn't bring myself to watch those parts.”
Nigella on joining the show
Upon the announcement of her joining the Channel 4 programme, Nigella could barely contain her enthusiasm. Nigella commented: “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.”
“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!”
