Nigella Lawson has received glowing early reviews for her debut as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, ahead of the new series starting on Channel 4 later this month. She replaces Dame Prue Leith, who stepped down from the role, saying she wanted to "work less and play more." Critics who previewed the opening episode praised Lawson's performance, suggesting she has brought fresh energy and star quality to the long-running baking competition.

The Times described her as helping "everyone rise to the occasion", while the Telegraph called her "more delectable than anything the contestants could whip up in a showstopper challenge", with reviewers highlighting her distinctive, sensual turns of phrase such as "I want it really sumptuous" and "I like a bit of goo." The 17th series, which begins on 22 September, also introduces a new line-up of twelve amateur bakers, including a paediatric doctor, a competitive sprinter, a drag artist and a hairdresser, drawn from across the UK and ranging in age from 21 to 67.