Nigella Lawson has been praised for bringing “glamour, intelligence” and a “hefty dollop of innuendo” to The Great British Bake Off as she made her debut on Tuesday.
The Channel 4 show has returned for its 17th series, with Lawson replacing former judge Dame Prue Leith.
In a five-star review from The Telegraph, Lawson was praised for being “supportive in her judging but not afraid to tell the bakers where they can improve. She gives helpful advice”.
The reviewer added: “She brings glamour, intelligence and poise. And, of course, a hefty dollop of innuendo. ‘The flavours are giving me a lot of pleasure’, she purrs.”
The TV cook’s debut was well-received by The Guardian, who also awarded Lawson’s first episode five stars, praising her chemistry with fellow judge Paul Hollywood and co-host Alison Hammond.
The reviewer wrote: “She moves through Bake Off dispensing words of wisdom, generous praise and gentle criticism, just as confident as Leith but a much quieter, more soothing presence that works perfectly with Alison Hammond’s ebullience and Paul Hollywood’s teacher-ish vibe.”
Radio Times awarded the episode four out of five stars and praised Lawson for her “strong debut” in the baking tent.
The review said: “She makes well-informed and helpful comments about the amateur bakers’ efforts and, although previous judges Mary Berry and Prue Leith are extremely hard acts to follow, the 66-year-old makes a strong debut in the tent.”
Lawson’s on-camera presence was noted by The Independent, with the publication saying she felt “part of the fabric” by the end of the episode.
The reviewer added: “Nigella adds a bit of glamour to the ‘female judge’ slot. It is hard to tell how tight her baking analysis is going to be, but she presents a good, sympathetic ear for contestants.”
The episode saw the new contestants bake a chocolate stout cake before they were tasked with making a coffee and walnut cake for their technical challenge.
Lawson said she “loved” being in the tent, adding: “I’m full of cake and hope and expectation. The standard is incredibly high.”
Discussing the bakers, she added: “It’s also important for them to learn. None of us are finished articles.”
Bake Off will return next Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4.
