The Great British Bake Off returned to Channel 4 for a new series, with Nigella Lawson making her debut as a judge. Viewers took to social media within minutes of her first appearance to share their thoughts on the incoming judge.
Nigella replaces Prue Leith
Nigella took her place alongside Paul Hollywood on the judging panel following Prue Leith's exit. The episode opened with a theatrical introduction, as Alison Hammond, Noel Fielding, Paul and Prue gathered in the garden beyond the Bake Off tent.
Prue opened proceedings by stating: "Well I guess this is goodbye." Alison responded: "I can't believe you're leaving, it feels like the end of an era." Paul then remarked: "Time to turn over a new leaf." Alison said: "Goodbye, Prue. We miss you." Noel joked about Prue's departure, saying: "Good luck with the regeneration, yeah?" A confused Alison asked: "The generation?"
Doctor Who-themed entrance
A Tardis, similar to the one used in Doctor Who, then appeared. As Prue approached it, Paul quipped: "Don't worry, Prue, there's a bar in the back." Nigella then emerged, prompting Noel to exclaim: "Wow, it's Nigella." Alison instantly proclaimed: "I'm a massive fan. How'd you fancy being the new judge?"
Noel took a playful swipe at his co-host, quipping: "And that new addition is Paul Hollywood's attitude." The remark drew laughter from everybody in the tent before Noel pressed on: "He's going to lighten it up. He's going to be warm, he's going to be tender, he's going to be kind. There's going to be a lot of smiling from Paul, especially through judging. Isn't that right, Paul?"
Nigella responded: "You know, it is an absolute dream. I am in." Alison welcomed her to the Bake Off family before Nigella turned towards the camera and announced: "Welcome to the Great British Bake Off."
Viewers share their reactions
The new judge was then formally introduced to this year's bakers inside the tent. Alison described Nigella as "the legendary, the iconic Nigella Lawson". Nigella was welcomed with enthusiastic applause before responding: "Thank you, thank you."
Within moments of Nigella's arrival, audiences had taken to social media. One viewer 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 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."
The opening sequence also offered viewers the chance to bid farewell to Prue, who had become a much-loved fixture on the programme during her tenure as a judge. Great British Bake Off continues Tuesday on Channel 4 at 8pm.
