'Sumptuous' Nigella Lawson wins unanimous praise for bringing a 'new lease of life to Bake Off' on show debut - but viewers are left furious over 'cop out' first episode twist

Nigella Lawson rose to the occasion as she made her debut as the new judge on The Great British Bake Off on Tuesday night.

The domestic goddess, 66, has taken over from Prue Leith, 86, on the Channel 4 show, joining Paul Hollywood as a judge, whilst Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding are back as hosts.

Critics have lavished praise on the long-running show's new hiring, declaring Nigella has revitalised the somewhat stale format after 17 series.

The Daily Mail's Jan Moir was delighted to see that show veteran Paul, 60, has 'met his match' in Nigella. 

'It seemed to me that across all series he assumed a leadership and a patriarchal seniority of rank that wasn't always his to take... Well, those days are over, mister. This time around Hollywood has been put firmly back in his cake box,' Moir wrote in her glowing review.

Anita Singh gave a five-star review for The Telegraph, declaring that 'Bake Off and Nigella are a match made in heaven.'

Singh added that Nigella 'brings a new lease of life,  glamour, intelligence and poise. And, of course, a hefty dollop of innuendo.'

The Guardian's Lucy Mangan also awarded the opening episode five stars, writing of Nigella: 'She moves through Bake Off dispensing words of wisdom, generous praise and gentle criticism, just as confident as Leith but a much quieter, more soothing presence that works perfectly with Alison Hammond's ebullience and Paul Hollywood's teacher-ish vibe.'

Ben Dowell for The Times was also full of praise, writing: 'Nigella took to Bake Off as a domestic goddess should: with all the sensual, self-confident elegance of a world-renowned patissier placing a raspberry on smooth butter icing. Even her co-judge Paul Hollywood — not a man who dishes out praise easily — seemed impressed by her charm and know-how. She was brilliant.'

Writing for Metro in a four-star review, Adam Miller says: 'The Domestic Goddess is easily the best thing that could ever have happened to Bake Off... And from the very first episode it's clear to see she is the lifeline Bake Off needed to ensure it could easily have another decade or more in it yet.'

Sasha Morris for the Express admitted though that Nigella didn't shake up the show as much as she had hoped.

'Nigella added a new touch of glamour to the show and was a soft contrast to Paul's stern critique, offering more nuanced feedback to the bakers versus Paul's technical. However, it seemed she simply fitted into the format, rather than shaking things up, and after 17 seasons, you need to keep it fresh,' she wrote.

The Independent's Nick Hilton was similarly disappointed, writing that 'Nigella's arrival might have been an opportunity for a harder refresh,' adding that after two decades and the spawning of multiple imitators, 'the format is very tired'. 

Viewer reaction was universal in its praise of Nigella, with fans praising Nigella for making the most of the chance to taste the bakers' creations by helping herself to a big portion.

They wrote: 'Yay - Nigella Lawson is back on the telly!' and 'Crying at Bake Off having Prue Leith 'regenerate' into Nigella Lawson'

'Love how Nigella is inhaling these cakes - proper tasting, what a woman!'

'Nigella bringing back the joy, wit and honesty that Mel and Sue had.'

'Think this means Nigella Lawson is now officially the incumbent Doctor'

'Nigella Lawson on Bake Off. My goodness. I adore that woman. Absolutely adore Nigella Lawson. I'm deeply content at the moment.'

Bake Off's opening episode saw the surprise news that no one would be leaving the tent, after Shannon was forced to withdraw from the Showstopper due to illness.

Hosts Alison and Noel  then shared that due to Shannon's exit, no one would be leaving the tent, with Mo awarded the Star Baker honour after impressing with his first week of creations.   

Nigella explained to the camera: 'The fairest thing is to give everyone a chance, go into next week and prove themselves then.'

Fans took to X, to share their frustration over the decision to axe the week one elimination, with one calling it 'a bloody cop out'.

Another said: 'Shannon wasn't even on the chopping block, so unsure why they couldn't get rid of someone one. Other than for the plot #gbbo.'

Bake Off continues next Tuesday on Channel 4.