Nigella Lawson has brought a new presence to The Great British Baking Show, and hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding have revealed one of the celebrity chef’s amusing backstage habits.
Lawson has joined the long-running baking competition as a new judge alongside returning judge Paul Hollywood, taking over the position previously held by Prue Leith.
Ahead of the latest season, Hammond and Fielding appeared on the Dish podcast and opened up about what it is like working with the renowned chef. Their conversation included Lawson’s relaxed routine away from the famous baking tent, as well as how she and Hollywood approach judging when they disagree.
Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding Praise Nigella Lawson
Speaking about Lawson on the Dish podcast, Hammond described the experience of working with her as “unbelievable.”
The presenter also complimented Lawson’s appearance and personality, describing her as beautiful and lovely.
Fielding joined in with the humor, joking that people tend to stop and look when Lawson enters the room.
Hammond also revealed that she had been watching Lawson during makeup sessions, apparently hoping to pick up some beauty tips from the culinary star.
Beyond her public image, however, the hosts said Lawson has quickly become part of the Bake Off atmosphere.
Nigella Lawson’s Relaxed Reading Habit Backstage
Fielding offered a particularly entertaining glimpse into what Lawson does when the cast and crew are away from the main baking tent.
According to the host, the judges and presenters have small shepherd’s huts positioned opposite one another while filming.
Lawson can often be seen inside hers reading.
“She’s got a stack of books,” Fielding explained, describing the way Lawson reclines as being reminiscent of Cleopatra.
Hammond added that Lawson stretches out on a chaise longue.
Fielding then joked that when someone walks past, Lawson occasionally summons them inside.
Because she occupies most of the chaise longue, visitors apparently have little choice but to stand or kneel nearby while talking to her.
Fielding compared the experience humorously to feeling like a child sitting in a school assembly.
The story gave listeners a glimpse of Lawson away from the cameras and showed the more relaxed atmosphere surrounding the Bake Off production.
Lawson Also Brought Food for the Crew
Hammond revealed another detail about Lawson’s presence behind the scenes.
The celebrity chef reportedly brought food for members of the production, including cheeses, breads and salted granola.
That gesture appears to have made an impression on the hosts, who repeatedly praised Lawson during the podcast conversation.
Her arrival marks a significant change for the judging panel, but Hammond and Fielding indicated that she has quickly settled into the show’s established environment.
Do Nigella Lawson and Paul Hollywood Agree on Everything?
The hosts were also asked whether Lawson and Hollywood generally agree when assessing the contestants’ creations.
Fielding said that the two judges do not always see things the same way.
Rather than causing a problem, those differences create some of the more lively moments in the judging process.
“It’s sparky when they don’t agree,” Fielding explained.
Hammond emphasized that having different opinions is part of what makes the judging dynamic interesting.
Fielding also pointed to differences in their tastes, saying Lawson tends to favor more savory flavors while Hollywood has a greater preference for sweet creations.
Despite those differences, Fielding said the pair eventually resolve their disagreements.
Nigella Lawson and Paul Hollywood Had a Chemistry Test
Lawson and Hollywood previously discussed their first interactions in an interview with The Guardian.
According to Lawson, the pair had an informal chemistry test at a Channel 4 event before she officially joined the show.
They reportedly spoke for around 10 minutes and immediately found that they worked well together.
Lawson said she knew quickly that the pairing could work, while Hollywood described her arrival as a positive addition to the program.
Hollywood also praised Lawson’s ability to adapt to the show’s established tone.
He said she understood the Bake Off atmosphere quickly and that her integration with the wider team was relatively seamless.
Nigella Lawson Takes Over From Prue Leith
Lawson’s appointment followed the departure of Prue Leith from the judging panel.
Leith, who is 86, had been one of the show’s judges alongside Hollywood, following the earlier judging era associated with Mary Berry, who is 91.
Hollywood acknowledged the significance of Lawson stepping into the role, saying he had long been a fan of her work.
For Lawson, taking the position also meant following two highly recognizable figures in the history of the program.
When she announced her appointment earlier this year, Lawson described the opportunity as both daunting and exciting.
She said she was aware of the responsibility involved in following Leith and Berry but expressed gratitude at being invited to join the program.
Nigella Lawson Calls Bake Off a “National Treasure”
When announcing her new role, Lawson described The Great British Bake Off as more than simply a television program.
She called it a “National Treasure” and said she felt honored to become part of the show.
Lawson also wished Prue Leith well while expressing excitement about meeting the new group of bakers.
Her comments reflected the significance of the series within British television and the challenge of becoming part of an established format with a long-standing audience.
When Does the New Great British Baking Show Season Premiere?
The latest collection of The Great British Baking Show premieres for U.S. viewers on Netflix on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The season debuted in the U.K. under the original title, The Great British Bake Off, on Tuesday, September 22.
The new episodes introduce Lawson as Hollywood’s judging partner, with Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding continuing as hosts.
With Lawson bringing her own culinary perspective to the judging panel, viewers will also get to see how her approach develops alongside Hollywood’s established style.