‘She’s amazing - I love her to pieces’: Paul Hollywood praises new GBBO co-star Alison Hammond

Paul Hollywood had high praise for new Great British Bake Off presenter Alison Hammond in a recent interview.
By Jamie Grover
Published 15th May 2023, 16:56 BST
Paul Hollywood (left) and Prue Leith (right) have both expressed their excitement for Alison Hammond's arrival on GBBO. She will replace Matt Lucas (centre).Paul Hollywood (left) and Prue Leith (right) have both expressed their excitement for Alison Hammond's arrival on GBBO. She will replace Matt Lucas (centre).
Paul Hollywood (left) and Prue Leith (right) have both expressed their excitement for Alison Hammond's arrival on GBBO. She will replace Matt Lucas (centre).

Great British Bake Off is rumoured to return to our screens this September, with Alison Hammond, 48, stepping in to take the place of Matt Lucas. In a new interview, Paul Hollywood, 58, gave his own opinion on Alison’s arrival, and how the 1:1 male to female ratio could affect the show’s dynamic. 

He told Rolling Stone: “I think it’s great to have two-plus-two — two males and two females. That works. But it’s not my choice to choose who they have. I’m just the judge. I don’t know! It’s above my pay grade.”

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The infamous chef revealed himself and Alison Hammond have already started working together. He had high praise for the This Morning presenter, saying: “Alison Hammond is taking over. She’s amazing. I love her to pieces. We’ve already started working together and she’s incredible. She’s infectious.” 

Fans of the show shouldn’t get too excited yet however, as Paul claims they have not yet started filming for the next season. However, he is optimistic that Alison will get on well with the bakers when they start. 

Alison was announced as the new co-host of the nationwide-adored Channel 4 show earlier this year, in March. She revealed the news in a unique announcement video exclaiming: “I’m so very excited!”

Judge Prue Leith has also expressed her excitement for the brummie presenter’s arrival, and hopes she will put an end to innuendos made by Matt Lucas, Noel Fielding, and Paul Hollywood. Speaking on the Dish podcast, Prue  said: “I feel I’m really glad Alison’s coming, because at least she’s a woman and she’ll be a little more sensible.

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“I never get the jokes, all this stuff about innuendo and things.Well, those three men, they’re like three children.You say sausage and everybody always does laughter.”

Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett, hosts of the podcasts, jokingly pointed out Alison is renowned for her funny side. Angela  responded: “I’m not sure about that, we know Alison.”

Ian Katz, Channel 4’s Chief Content Officer said: “Alison is much loved, effortlessly funny and the owner of the best laugh in Britain".

Related topics:Prue LeithChannel 4Matt LucasPodcasts

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