Dame Prue Leith has issued a warning to her Great British Bake Off replacement Nigella Lawson, advising her to avoid the phrase 'worth the calories' to prevent controversy. The 86-year-old, who announced her departure from the Channel 4 show in January, said the seemingly harmless comment caused her 'trouble' in the past.
Speaking to BBC Radio Oxford earlier this year, Prue praised Nigella, stating she would bring a 'whole fresh look' and be 'wonderful'. However, she cautioned Nigella against using the phrase, which she said was perceived as 'fat shaming'.
Prue, who joined the series in 2017, believes the programme is in capable hands with the 'sassy' food writer. She told The Mail's Richard Eden: 'She will obviously be great. She's sassy and clever and she knows her onions.'
Nigella will partner with veteran judge Paul Hollywood when the 17th series launches later this year. Responding to her appointment, she admitted being 'uncharacteristically rather lost for words', but expressed excitement at joining the 'National Treasure'.
Bake Off presenter Alison Hammond teased the 'unbelievable' chemistry between Paul and Nigella, noting they 'don't always agree' but are 'so good together'. Filming for the new series has already begun.
