The Great British Bake Off delivers Doctor Who homage as Prue Leith 'regenerates' into Nigella Lawson to herald new era

The Great British Bake Off treated fans to a fun Doctor Who homage as the show returned to our screens, with outgoing judge Prue Leith regenerating into incoming judge Nigella Lawson.

The beloved Channel 4 baking competition returned on Tuesday evening (22 September), with returning presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding joined by the all-new judging duo, Nigella Lawson and Paul Hollywood.

But first, the episode began with a farewell to outgoing judge Prue, as she, Alison, Noel and Paul assembled in the garden.

“Well I guess this is goodbye,” Prue said, before Noel said: “Good luck with the regeneration, yeah?"

Alison then asked: "The generation?"

A Doctor Who-style Tardis then appeared, from which Nigella emerged, and Alison gushed: "I'm a massive fan. How'd you fancy being the new judge?".

"You know, it is an absolute dream. I am in,” the TV cook responded, before turning to the camera and announcing: "Welcome to the Great British Bake Off."

The first challenge of the series for the 12 new bakers was a chocolate stout cake task, before the contestants were then set a coffee and walnut cake for their technical challenge, followed by a self-portrait Showstopper.

After contestant Sharon fell ill and was unable to complete the Showstopper challenge, Alison confirmed that no one would be heading home.

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It was confirmed earlier this year that Nigella would be joining the series as a judge, replacing Prue who decided to step down after almost a decade on the series.

In a statement at the time, Lawson said she was "uncharacteristically rather lost for words right now!"

She added: "Of course it’s daunting to be following in the footsteps of Prue Leith and Mary Berry before her, great dames both, but I’m also bubbling with excitement. The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme, it’s a National Treasure – and it’s a huge honour to be entrusted with it.

"I’m just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come, I wish the marvellous Prue all the best, and am giddily grateful for the opportunity!"

The Great British Bake Off returns on Tuesday 29 September at 8pm on Channel 4.

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Authors

Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.