The Great British Bake Off 2026

My son is normally pretty woke and inclusive, but even he watched a bit of it and said "They've ticked all the boxes haven't they?" The first episode seemed a bit flat but will hopefully improve. Why did they have to start with a version of Nigella's Stout Cake? Don't they usually have more choice for their signature?

I haven't watched it much for years but perhaps might give it a try this season now.

When the sloppy vegan mess slid slowly to the ground my relief was palpable
Especially a sloppy mess sliding to the ground 😁

I enjoyed the programme and I will try to curb my dislike of Nigella's simpering and fake flirty with everything that moves but what I do have a problem with is Alison Hammond's shouting. I think her co-presenter looks as though she has just deafened him when he is standing next to her.
The internet is full of comments about the selection of candidates and their relationship to a Equal Opportunties tick box BUT how did some of them pass the initial selection heats with their obvious lack of even basic skill. And BTW lower the work station for the woman in a wheelchair (I don't know their names yet).

I was getting bored with Bake Off but Nigella has livened it up.

I thought Nigella was great - and a bit of a change to hear phrases like "a ferrous tang" - "a frisson of excitement" on Bake Off - that will bamboozle the goggleboxers!

I'm afraid this year one or more of the contestants will annoy me no end. When the sloppy vegan mess slid slowly to the ground my relief was palpable - she surely would go - then they didn't send anyone home!

My grandmother always used to say 'a pinch of salt in everything but custard', and I agree with her.

Gosh, Nigella really tucks in when tasting the cakes. Proper big spoonfuls for her. I like it.

Whitewavemark2

Salt! We need more salt!

Is my take away from the first episode😄

Yes! I have never added salt when baking cakes and with blood pressure higher than it should be, maybe I won't start adding it.

Salt! We need more salt!

Is my take away from the first episode😄