Nigella Lawson Confesses Bake Off Nerves Ahead of Judging Debut
Celebrity chef and food writer Nigella Lawson has openly admitted to feeling "a teeny bit frightened" about her upcoming role as a judge on The Great British Bake Off. The 66-year-old culinary icon, who was confirmed earlier this week as the replacement for departing judge Prue Leith, shared her mixed emotions during an appearance on ITV's This Morning.
Different Judging Philosophy to Paul Hollywood
Lawson emphasised that she will bring a distinctly different approach to the judging panel compared to her co-star Paul Hollywood. While acknowledging Hollywood's reputation as "Mr. Technical," Lawson described her own philosophy as being centred on pleasure rather than fault-finding.
"I feel like I'm not someone who looks for fault, I look for pleasure. That's my basic attitude in life," Lawson explained to hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley. "If I see my job as eating, it's not too daunting. I can eat."
Taking the Role Seriously Despite Nerves
Despite her admitted nervousness, Lawson stressed that she plans to take her judging responsibilities "very seriously." She expressed deep respect for the programme, describing it as "an institution of national treasure status" that has maintained enduring popularity through its sense of community.
"One of the reasons it's been enduringly popular is that it feels like it's about community, and I guess we just all need that," Lawson reflected, adding: "I want to be there and be part of it."
Practical Concerns in the Bake Off Tent
The celebrated cookbook author also revealed some practical worries about working in the iconic Bake Off tent, describing herself as "the clumsiest person in the world." Her main concern? Accidentally disrupting the contestants' creations.
"As long as I don't knock any of their cakes off the table or the stand," she said with characteristic humour, acknowledging the potential for disaster given her self-professed clumsiness.
Bake Off's Judging History
Lawson will become the third judge to occupy the position alongside Paul Hollywood, following in the footsteps of both Prue Leith and Dame Mary Berry. Berry served as one of the original judges when the programme launched on BBC One in 2010, departing alongside hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins when the show moved to Channel 4 in 2016.
Leith took over the judging role for Channel 4's first series in 2017 and remained with the programme for nine years until announcing her departure earlier this month. In her farewell statement, the 86-year-old explained that "now feels like the right time to step back" and expressed confidence that her successor would "love it as much as I have."
The Great British Bake Off is scheduled to return to Channel 4 later this year, with Lawson's judging debut anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to the beloved baking competition that has become a staple of British television.
