It’s the laugh you hear first. The Great British Bake Off tent was already a happy place, populated by cheery contestants and grinning crew members who clearly love their jobs (free cake is a mere bonus). The arrival of new presenter Alison Hammond has lifted it to fresh heights. Thanks to her joyous presence and a back-to-basics approach, the upcoming 14th series promises to be the most showstopping in years.
“I’m loving it,” grins her co-host Noel Fielding during a filming break. “Alison’s bringing such good vibes.” “The bakers adore her,” adds judge Prue Leith. “And it takes the duty of hugging them off us.” “What can I say?” shrugs Hammond faux-modestly. “I’m a natural hugger.” The touchy-feely mood has even rubbed off on mean old master baker Paul Hollywood. “Paul actually gave someone a hug,” says Fielding gleefully. “I’ve got a Polaroid as evidence.” “Alison has softened me up,” admits Hollywood. “We’re all more tactile now,” says Fielding. “Naked rehearsals, the lot.”
