The Great British Bake Off review – Nigella is wise, generous … and perfect for this national treasure of a show

The newest judge on the culinary competition is a soothing presence who is the ideal complement to Paul Hollywood.

Long may the show continue with her on it There’s a very good argument to be made for requiring a national referendum on whether presenters of shows that are part of our cultural identity should be allowed to leave, followed by – if necessary – a vote on who should replace them.

At the very least, this would avoid the parlous state of affairs we face right now: at the very moment the public is grappling with the new-look Strictly Come Dancing (Tess and Claudia replaced by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, three whole different people!

) we are asked to cope with a change to the order of the tented universe too.

For The Great British Bake Off lineup has replaced Prue Leith (who stepped down after deciding that, at 86, she would quite like to go back to having holidays instead of filming the series all summer) with – the one!

The only! – Nigella Lawson. Continue reading...