In a statement, the TV personality expressed her excitement while acknowledging the weight of the role:
“I’m uncharacteristically rather lost for words right now.
Of course it’s daunting to be following in the footsteps of Prue Leith and Mary Berry before her, great dames both, but I’m also bubbling with excitement.”
She continued:
“‘The Great British Bake Off’ is more than a television programme, it’s a National Treasure – and it’s a huge honour to be entrusted with it. I’m just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come, I wish the marvellous Prue all the best, and am giddily grateful for the opportunity!”
Dame Prue offered her blessing, calling the incoming judge “sassy, fun” and noting that “she knows her onions – and her croissants, cake and crumble.” Channel 4 controller Ian Katz described the pairing as “the marriage of two great British icons: Bake Off and Nigella.”
The new season will see Lawson and Hollywood joined by hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding when it returns later this year.
