Nigella Lawson has been praised by Great British Bake Off viewers after repeatedly challenging fellow judge Paul Hollywood during the programme’s second episode.
The exchanges came during Biscuit Week, as the judges assessed the bakers’ American-style cookies and biscuit mosaics. Viewers quickly noticed Nigella’s willingness to push back against Paul’s comments, prompting a stream of amused reactions online.
When contestant Moyin said he planned to use miso in his cookies, Paul remarked: “It’s unusual to use miso in cookies.” Nigella immediately disagreed, replying: “No it isn’t the young people are doing it a lot.”
She later objected when Paul described a sweet treat as “naughty”, saying: “I don’t approve as referring to food as naughty. We have to take our pleasures where we can in life.”
Paul also joked about how the judges would decide which baker to send home, asking: “How are we going to decide? Arm wrestle? I’d let you win.”
Nigella responded: “No you wouldn’t, I’m the one that lifts weights.”
Fans welcomed the 66-year-old’s assertiveness, with some claiming she had challenged Paul more in two episodes than Prue Leith had during nine years on the show.
One viewer wrote: “I like Nigella telling Paul off,” while another said: “The more digs Nigella gives to Paul, it is more probable she will take over the show.”
Others described the pair as appearing not to be “besties”, commented on their apparent “lack of chemistry” and joked about Nigella “cutting the knees out from under Paul”.
The exchanges unfolded as Danni became the first contestant to leave the tent. The 25-year-old was visibly emotional as she reflected on “making friends with a group of strangers” after failing to impress with her cookies and biscuit mosaic.
Nigella Lawson explains her Bake Off reservations
Earlier on Tuesday, Nigella said she had initially been unsure about joining the Channel 4 baking programme, having prepared “a long list” of reasons not to accept the role.
Speaking on The One Show, she said she wanted to make clear that she was a home baker rather than a technical expert, adding that she did not want to “pretend I know something I don’t”.
Nigella said her strength lay in judging taste and texture, while describing Paul as “a genius” who could identify precise problems with a bake.
Paul, in turn, praised the way she communicated those qualities to viewers, saying: “And you can tell she imparts that beautifully, though. You can see it on Bake Off.”
