The upcoming 17th series of "The Great British Bake Off," set to premiere on Channel 4 on September 22, is already generating buzz, partly due to the dynamic between new judge Nigella Lawson and long-standing judge Paul Hollywood. Reports have circulated for months suggesting the two have not "gelled" during filming, with suggestions that Lawson found Hollywood's use of a helicopter to commute "gauche and silly."
However, at the show's launch event held at the Honourable Artillery Company in London, Lawson and Hollywood, alongside co-hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, appeared together, aiming to dispel rumors of discord. During a Q&A session, Hollywood stated that Lawson "fitted in beautifully," and Lawson added that the four hosts "all talked non-stop" and "get on very well."
Despite these public assurances, the edited first episode, previewed at the launch, reportedly offered little evidence of significant chemistry between the two judges. The episode tasks bakers with making a chocolate stout cake, a move seen as a nod to Lawson's famed Guinness cake, suggesting a deliberate effort by Channel 4 to capitalize on their new signing.
Lawson, 66, joins "Bake Off" as a successor to Prue Leith, who stepped down after nine years. This marks Lawson's return to a major UK television series after a six-year absence, her last being "Nigella's Cook, Eat, Repeat" for the BBC. She has since focused on shows for Australian television, including "My Kitchen Rules" and guest judging on "MasterChef Australia."
Channel 4 and producer Love Productions are reportedly hoping Lawson's involvement will boost ratings. Vivienne Molokwu, the broadcaster's senior commissioning editor, described Lawson as the show's "extra magic ingredient," a sentiment that may underscore any perceived rivalry with Hollywood.
Lawson, who has published 12 cookery books and hosted numerous television programs, brings a significant career in food writing and broadcasting to the show. Her first book, "How To Eat," published in 1998, sold 300,000 copies, and "How To Be A Domestic Goddess" earned her the British Book Award for Author of the Year. She began her career in journalism, graduating from Oxford University and working as deputy literary editor for The Sunday Times.
The show also unveiled its 12 new contestants on Monday, a diverse group that includes a 32-year-old self-described 'drag king' and a 67-year-old retired garment technologist. Lawson is said to have formed a strong rapport with the new bakers during filming.