NIGELLA LAWSON JOINS GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF AS NEW JUDGE

The Great British Bake Off returns to Channel 4 this evening at 8pm, opening its 2026 series with a new line-up of 12 amateur bakers competing for the title of champion. Nigella Lawson takes her place on the judging panel for the first time, appearing in the tent alongside Paul Hollywood. Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond continue as the programme's presenters for the new run. The contestants will be tested across a series of baking challenges as they compete to be named this year's winner.

Lawson was announced as a new judge on the programme earlier this year, taking over the role after Dame Prue Leith said she was stepping down following nine series on the show. Ahead of her debut, Lawson said she had been "worried" about judging amateur bakers and described herself as "no polished" baker. Hollywood continues as the other judge on the panel. A full list of this year's 12 contestants has been published ahead of the launch episode.

The new series marks a change on the judging panel following Leith's departure after nine years in the role. Lawson's appointment brings a new judge to the show for the first time in that period, alongside the continuing presence of Hollywood, Fielding and Hammond. The 2026 series will run across multiple episodes as the 12 bakers are gradually narrowed down. The opening episode airs tonight at 8pm on Channel 4.