Noel Fielding has revealed that Great British Bake Off co-presenter Alison Hammond breached an important rule on the programme after "learning the hard way". The pair have hosted the Channel 4 show together since Alison took over presenting duties from Matt Lucas in 2023.
By that point, Noel had already completed six series of the popular programme, and there is one crucial rule that everyone on set is required to follow. The baking competition, known for its vibrant presentations and famous tent, is visually spectacular, but while the kitchen appears to be full of tempting cakes ready for sampling, the vast majority is completely forbidden, according to Noel.
Behind the Scenes at Welford Park
Journalist Boudicca Fox Leonard visited the tent at Welford Park, Berkshire, to uncover behind-the-scenes secrets of the programme, which debuted in 2010. There is one regulation that must never be violated on set: both cast and crew receive a clear warning: "Don't eat the displays."
This applies despite the set appearing "as delectable as cricket cream tea", according to the journalist. She reported that Noel, 53, reiterated this caution while she was "eyeing up the set dressing of sponge fingers, party rings and jars of marshmallows". The presenter stated: "They are not to be touched. Alison found that out the hard way."
Props Not Meant for Eating
A significant portion of the food on show is not actually edible, with certain items constructed from polystyrene. Other pieces have been sitting around for weeks, months or potentially years and serve purely decorative functions, with the presenter strongly recommending against sampling the props.
When asked about the authenticity of some appetising-looking hot cross buns on display at a nearby table, Noel offered a compelling explanation for avoiding them: "They are real. But feel them – they're like rock. You'd need gnashers like a nutcracker to eat them."
Alison Hammond's Bake Off Journey
Even the edible props require protection once filming wraps each day. One crew member told the journalist: "We have to put all the real stuff away at night because the squirrels come and eat it otherwise."
Alison, who has co-presented the programme for the past three series, quickly won over judges, contestants and audiences with her engaging personality. The This Morning presenter brought fresh vitality to the Bake Off tent during her first series. While she was new to the Bake Off franchise, Alison was not inexperienced in television cookery programmes, having appeared on Celebrity MasterChef and fronted cooking features on daytime television.
She acknowledged feeling apprehensive about joining such a cherished programme. Speaking when she landed the Bake Off role, she remarked: "It's a massive privilege to be part of an iconic show." Beyond Bake Off and This Morning, Alison has participated in several reality programmes including I'm A Celeb and Strictly Come Dancing. The Great British Bake Off continues on Channel 4 tonight at 8pm.
