Dame Mary Berry says Great British Bake Off judge Nigella Lawson has brought "new life" to series

❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

Dame Mary Berry has delivered an enthusiastic verdict on Nigella Lawson's first series as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, saying her arrival has brought "new life" and "a touch of glamour" to the Channel 4 tent.

Speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, Berry described Lawson as "a joy" and said she was delighted the cook and broadcaster had joined the show, which Berry herself helped make a national fixture during its early years on the BBC.

Berry also offered some light-hearted advice for her successor, joking that Lawson would need to "keep control" of fellow judge Paul Hollywood, who she said "needs handling".

Berry also took the chance to come to the defence of Lawson's generous approach to tasting the contestants' bakes. Berry said she had always taken "a proper mouthful" herself so that bakers knew she had genuinely sampled their work.

Read more:

• Former Strictly judges Arlene Phillips and Darcey Bussell give verdicts on new hosting trio
• Celebrity Race Across the World 2026 start date confirmed as new pairings head from Borneo to Melbourne

Berry was of course a judge on Bake Off alongside Hollywood from its launch in 2010 until 2016, when she chose not to follow the series in its move from the BBC to Channel 4. Leith took over the judging seat the following year.

Lawson replaced Prue Leith on the programme after Channel 4 confirmed the change in January 2026, joining Hollywood on the judging panel while Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding continue as hosts.

Her debut in this ongoing 17th season has gone down a treat with viewers, with early reviews praising her warmth and glamour in the role.

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

The Great British Bake Off continues on Tuesday, 20 October on Channel 4.

Add The Great British Bake Off to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more TV recommendations and reviews listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.