Gogglebox star brands Bake Off’s Nigella Lawson welcome ‘pathetically bad’

| Deputy TV editor Published September 26, 2026 1:36pm Updated September 26, 2026 1:36pm To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video It’s all change in the Great British Bake Off tent as viewers welcomed new judge Nigella Lawson to the show. Nigella, 66, has replaced Prue Leith, who annouced she was leaving the beloved baking competition after eleven years earlier this year. And while the vast majority of fans believe Nigella has breathed some life into Bake Off’s slightly stale formula, not everyone agrees. Specifically, Mary from Gogglebox was less than impressed with Nigella’s introduction. Last night, the Gogglebox crew watched the first episode of the new-look Bake Off, which included a sketch where Prue said her goodbyes. During the skit, Prue hopped into a Tardis where she ‘regenerated’ into Nigella. The freshly ‘regenerated’ Nigella Lawson (Picture: Channel 4) Mary wasn’t impressed by Nigella’s welcome, though (Picture: Channel 4) ‘Oh, Prue!’ said Sue and Steve. Meanwhile, Georgia joked: ‘Don’t tell me Prue’s leaving Bake Off to be Doctor Who’. Helena branded Nigella a ‘goddess’ when she stepped out of the Tardis and Jake giggled as he said: ‘I’m gonna have to start watching [Bake Off].’ Giles said: ‘Doctor Prue Mary’, to which she, clearly unimpressed, replied: ‘Pathetically bad. ‘ However, she did concede that Nigella looked ‘beautiful’ when Giles pointed out how lovely she looked. Critics have loved the revamped Bake Off(Credits: Channel 4) Sign up to Switched On, Metro's new TV newsletter Hiya! I’m Sabrina Barr and I’m Metro’s TV editor. I have spent almost six years at Metro covering all corners of the TV world, and I’m now sharing all my expert insights in my brand new newsletter, Switched On. Join me for Metro's exclusive weekly guide of to what to watch From recommendations for your next binge-watch on Netflix to jaw-dropping exclusive interviews with the planet’s biggest stars, sign up to get plugged into the week’s biggest TV moments. Get the next edition below. Sign up now And most everyone agrees that Nigella has brought something special back to Bake Off. Metro’s Adam Miller wrote that Nigella’s debut ‘feels more like a perfectly executed introduction – a nod to her unrivalled legacy – than a sycophantic celebration of her arrival’. He also congratulated the show for remembering that despite Nigella arguably being the biggest thing to happen to Bake Off, the brightest stars are still the contestants themselves. Nigella has been called the perfect judge (Picture: Channel 4) Adam wasn’t the only critic impressed by Nigella. Anita Singh at The Telegraph agreed that she brought a new lease of life to the series and called her the perfect replacement for Prue. Critics weren’t the only ones impressed by Nigella either. On X @CharismaDonor wrote: ‘Nigella Lawson on Bake Off is an A+++.’ Meanwhile, @Will_Kellogg said: ‘Nigella Lawson is the best thing that’s happened to Bake Off since they added Alison Hammond.’ Finally, @ixzyan_kedua tweeted: ‘I have been a Nigella Stan since day dot, love her and she’s perfect for the show!!!’ Deals of the Day I tried L'Oréal Paris's new PDRN serum and my skin looked glossier after one use This new Cricut gadget turns your favourite photos into stickers in minutes From kitchen hatches to burgundy walls – the biggest home trends for 2027 Oodie’s cosy blanket sale has arrived just in time for Christmas shopping Save over £700 on Simba's top-rated mattresses in this limited-time sale Bake Off continues on Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4. Arrow MORE: The everyday snack that makes Gen Z think you’re old Arrow MORE: Paloma Faith calls out Ed Sheeran over Macklemore response: ‘It really upset me’ Arrow MORE: Inbetweeners star accidentally leaks movie plot detail during Cameo video TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.