Speculation has swirled for some time that culinary icon Nigella Lawson could be in line to join The Great British Bake Off as a judge, particularly as veteran Prue Leith prepares to depart the tent. However, exclusive insights reveal Lawson's previously aired, pointed criticisms of the show's ethos, suggesting a potential clash of philosophies should she take on the role.
Lawson's Past Criticisms Surface
Despite her formidable reputation as a cook, author, and television presenter, Nigella Lawson has historically voiced concerns that her approach to home baking might not align with the Bake Off's famously high standards. In a revealing 2017 interview with Good Housekeeping magazine, Lawson took aim at the programme's pursuit of mechanical perfection.
The 'Too Perfect' Problem
"You know on Bake Off where they say you have to make 18 biscuits and they have to be identical? I have never had two biscuits that look identical," Lawson admitted, branding such tasks unrealistic for the home cook. She elaborated, sighing, "We live in a world where there is so much, so glossily done. If I am given a cake, I like to see that it has been made by someone, and that it’s not even. That is what cooking is. Things can’t look like they come from a factory."
Her critique extended to the show's complexity. Speaking to Radio Times in 2015, the 66-year-old stated, "I wouldn’t get on Bake Off, it’s too complicated. I like baking in a homespun kind of way – if I make cookies, I don’t expect them all to look the same. I’m not being modest." She further distanced herself from a judging role, adding, "I don’t have the qualifications to say to people, 'You can’t eat that, you can’t eat this'. I’m not in a position to preach anything to anyone else."
A Devoted Viewer Nonetheless
Despite her reservations, Lawson has remained an engaged viewer of the hit Channel 4 series. Back in 2013, she publicly shared her enjoyment, posting on social media: "Yum: settling down to The Great British Bake Off with a slice of this blackcurrant Victoria sponge." This indicates a fondness for the programme, even if she questions some of its core competitive tenets.
Prue Leith's Departure Opens the Field
The vacancy arises as Prue Leith, 86, has confirmed her decision to leave after nine years as a judge. She stated, "But now feels like the right time to step back (I’m 86 for goodness sake!), there’s so much I’d like to do, not least spend summers enjoying my garden." Love Productions, the show's maker, praised her as a "brilliant" and "joyous presence in the tent."
Who Will Fill the Apron?
With the position beside long-standing judge Paul Hollywood now open, several names are being circulated. Contenders reportedly include:
- Prue’s close friend Caroline Waldegrave, co-owner of Leith’s School of Food and Wine.
- Pastry chef Ravneet Gill, who has proven popular on Junior Bake Off.
- And of course, the perennially rumoured Nigella Lawson.
Channel 4 has declined to comment on the speculation, stating only that the new judge would be announced "in due course." The next series is scheduled to film this summer for broadcast later in the year. The decision will undoubtedly shape the tone of the tent, especially if a critic of its perfectionist streak like Lawson were to step in.
