Fans weigh in on Nigella Lawson’s Bake Off debut during 'disastrous' first episode
The Great British Bake Off is back, and this time it’s got a new judge in its line-up in the form of national treasure Nigella Lawson - but things didn’t run smoothly for the bakers.
Nigella has replaced Prue Leith and joins long-standing GBBO judge Paul Hollywood as well as presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding.
Nigella, 66, has previously opened up about how she’ll approach judging on the popular baking show.
Speaking to the Press Association recently, she shared: “I always try to look for the positive as well, because you never want criticism to make people feel inadequate, or to be something that pampers them rather than encourages them,.
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“I think it’s very important to let someone know what they’re doing well and what needs to be a bit better. But ultimately, I just thought, ‘Oh, I’m getting really bad at telling people something isn’t right’.
“But ultimately, you can’t do anything except be honest, because all you have to go on is your honest reaction.
“Does it help someone to say something worked if it didn’t? They’re there to get better. What was fascinating to me was seeing, over the course of the whole series, how people learn.
“As we know in life generally, making mistakes is not what matters; it’s actually learning from them.”
During her first appearance on the show, Nigella told viewers: "You know, it is an absolute dream. I am in.”
She went on to say that she ‘loved’ being in the tent, adding: “I’m full of cake and hope and expectation.
“The standard is incredibly high.”
She also had some kind words when it came to the contestants, pointing out: “It’s also important for them to learn. None of us are finished articles.”
And it seems it’s a bit of a dream signing for fans of the show with many flocking to social media to heap praise on the new judge.
One wrote: “Nigella Lawson on Bake Off. My goodness. I adore that woman. Absolutely adore Nigella Lawson. I'm deeply content at the moment.”
A second commented: “Nigella bringing back the joy, wit and honesty that Mel and Sue had.”
Another was impressed with her judging style, writing: “Love how Nigella is inhaling these cakes - proper tasting, what a woman!”
However, while Nigella may have had a wonderful first appearance, the same can’t be said for the bakers as the opening episode quickly became one of the most disastrous in GBBO history.
Throughout the hour-long show we saw one baked cake ending up on the floor, others that left the oven looking like puddles, and one more than one contestant feeling very anxious over attempting to create Nigella’s beloved Guinness cake.
Commenting on the chaos, one fan said: “A dropped cake! Over bakes, underbakes. A new judge. A contestant leaving during the showstopper!! What a first episode.”
Someone else said: “Omg this is absolute madness!! Not sure a single cake didn’t collapse.”
While third asked: “Is this #GBBO or #potterythrowdown? Never seen so many collapsed cakes in one episode!”
A fourth said: “That dramatic cake fall was heartbreaking.”
And we’re only on episode one, guys.
Topics: The Great British Bake Off, TV and Film, UK News
Claire Reid