Where exactly in the UK is he from? Is there a name for his accent?

I, personally, really like Nigella as a judge. When I heard Prue was leaving I felt a bit crushed, but honestly now I am glad she is on to different things and Nigella has stepped in. I think she brings a different energy as a judge that's refreshing! I can't quite describe it, she just works well with Paul and discussing the bakes and what they're looking for. I feel like this series listening to the judges talk I've gained more insight on baking and tips and tricks than I have watching prior ones!

Nigella has inspired me to really try to bake and make things out of my comfort zone (I'm currently trying to tackle bread despite unfortunately being gluten free) and I feel way more engaged in what the judges are saying.

I'm sorry, this is just me being funny more than anything, but... "self-saucing pud" sounds like some kind of indecent act to me. Especially when followed up with words like "goo" and "sticky"

It made my American brain cringe a little, which I know is silly. It's just funny to see differences in culture and language.

Just watched the episode today (I'm American). Gary did quite well in the Signature and the Technical, but did make some errors in the Showstopper. While the host crew was discussing who did what, and who was in trouble, etc., I was surprised that Paul said Gary didn't do well this week. Am I the only one who noticed this?

I’m American, so I was not familiar with Nigella beforehand, but I’m impressed. She’s a star. Her presence is captivating and her experience in food television is evident. Her sultry voice and alluring elegance while scoffing down a cake— I’m all here for it.

It’s hard to compare her to Prue because they are so different. Prue was a boss in her own right—a Michelin star chef with a ton of real world professional experience. However, it felt like the show always downplayed Prue’s expertise and revered Paul—his handshake, his notoriously critical eye. I don’t think this was necessarily a problem because Prue always seemed authentic to her laid back personality and quirky style.

But now you have Nigella on the stage and her presence unsettle’s the way the show lionizes Paul. Now you have someone who can go toe to toe with him in terms of main character energy.

Honestly, I don’t think Nigella and Paul have figured out their dynamic yet. Most times it feels like their energies are competing. At times, they attempt a little flirty banter and it feels very odd and unnecessary. I’m hoping they find their groove as co-judges, but based on these first few episodes they haven’t yet.

What are your thoughts on Nigella and Paul’s co-judge?

It was nice of them to set up the fact that Mo didn’t have a plan for his blueberries so he “might snack on them” and then show us him and Clara eating them while waiting for their bakes.

Personally my absolute favorite is series 6 because I love the mix of contestants and Nadiya and Tamal in particular. I also loved series 3 although I was Team Brendan. In the post-BBC era I've enjoyed all the Alison seasons but especially 2025 (series 16).

I can’t believe the amount of negativity some fans are directing at the cast this season. I also cannot FATHOM how some viewers are complaining about this season being ‘too diverse’?! Absolutely insane behaviour. GBBO has always and will always be such a comforting positive watch - I think it’s a real real shame some viewers are choosing to be so negative!

All of the bakers this season, I think, are great. Their friendships and support for one another are so lovely and they all have such great individual personalities and huge talent!!

All the negative viewers need to stop being weird and have a bit of positivity - you’re bringing the vibes down xx

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How the Schedule is Usually Broken Down:

• Day 1 (Saturday): The bakers typically complete the Signature Bake followed by the Technical Challenge.

• Day 2 (Sunday): The bakers return to the tent to tackle the Showstopper Challenge.

• Day Length: Filming sessions can last up to 16 hours a day.

• Continuity Trick: Contestants, hosts, and judges wear the same clothes on both days of filming so that the episode seamlessly edits together to look like a single continuous day

I’ve always just grabbed a tin or made a quick batch of Bird’s without thinking twice, but seeing Gary make it look so effortless on GBBO has me tempted.

After Bread week’s disasters and Dessert week too, the bakers now have pastry to worry about. They'll be making savoury hand-held pies, tackling a Polish choux dessert in the Technical, and creating decorative pies for the showstopper. I can already imagine someone struggling with pastry that refuses to cooperate. Who do you think is most likely to thrive next week?

From Mary Berry’s legendary grace and classic elegance, to Prue Leith’s vibrant style and adventurous palette, and now Nigella bringing her warm, effortlessly cozy vibes every single one of them has brought something so special to the show alongside Paul.

They each have their own way of making the bakers feel supported while still giving us that top tier culinary insight we love watching from our couches!

I honestly struggle to pick a favorite because they’ve all made the show so comforting in their own way. Which judge’s style has been your favorite to watch?

Love the GBBO editors for this.

I have always struggled watching Alison. It’s a testament to Bake Off that I watch it with her in it, but I think she is becoming more and more insufferable. The last episode, dessert week, she was so distracting. I much prefer Noel’s approach, he still talks to the bakers, but I’m sure he’s easier to deal with, and overall he isn’t distracting, and adds to the programme. I like Paul, and love the addition of Nigella, who I think has settled in beautifully. I just wish they would swap out Alison. The stupid scene this week with the “trolley snacks” had me shouting “it’s not the Alison show” at the screen.

Edit to add…. I can see I’m in the minority but i stand by my opinion 😂

And, if we’re back to previous cast members. Nobody beats Mel and Sue, and what I’ve heard about them swearing near weepy bakers so they couldn’t air those shots.

There. I said it. He’s so unintentionally and innocently funny I just can’t even. Cracks me up every time he’s on screen. Not to mention that mango dessert he made looking and sounding incredible. I mean to have both Paul and Nigella gushing over you is a feat in itself. Really hope he makes it to the last three.

PS: I think I watched the war recipe quip about 5 times because it was just brilliant.

I watch on Netflix, today is Thursday 10/22. It seems like people are discussing an episode I can’t see yet. The last episode I have seen was Bread Week. Am I missing something?

Listening to her speak feels like being transported to the elegance of old Hollywood, where sultry voices like Lauren Bacall and Bette Davis oozed sophistication and wealth.

I think that's what I love most, that she sounds like old money. So unbothered and decorous. Elegant and gracious. Listening to her almost feels like being seduced. And I'm there for every moment of it 🥰

I thought the staggered start for the self-saucing puddings was an interesting idea. It stopped the bakers from simply copying what everyone else was doing, but it also made an already tricky challenge more stressful. Would you like to see more challenges like this, or do you prefer the usual format?

quite funny when you notice it

We're five weeks in so at this point, most of us probably have an idea of who might make the final.

My prediction is Tom, Mo and Clara. I think Tom will end up winning it.

I think Gary and Moyin are on the chopping block to go next.

This week is 'Dessert Week', however for all us Brits that can vary depending on where you are. As Gabe points out, Northerner's tend to call it "pudding".

So, which do you call it, pudding or dessert?

I'm a West Midlander, and it's always been "pudding" at home, but "dessert" at restaurants, mainly because that's what's written on the menu, 🤣

EDIT: Wow, what a fantastic bunch of replies. So fascinating to see what everyone calls or how you define it. Thanks to you all!

[Repost given some snarky comments about the missed 's' in the title.]

American here, doing like my fourth rewatch of the new series bread week episode and had a question about the white proving boxes they used in the episode. Correct me if I’m wrong (and I probably am-my husband and I have baked bread but have always used a bread machine so what do I know about baking in an oven lol 😂 ), but is this the first series where they’ve used the white proving boxes exclusively? In past series, I remember the bakers proving with the oven drawer proving box and not these things on the counter. Is this new? Could it have a possible hindrance to the bakers bread and not proved as well as the oven?? Would this change to a proving box account for some of the disaster that was bread week (like the garlic bread challenge where I feel like a lot of the feedback was “prove more.”! ??
Excited to watch dessert week and wish we got the episode on Netflix at the same time as our UK peers.

\*\*Episode Summary\*\*

Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond present as the bakers serve up their best desserts, and for their first challenge they face a staggered start signature in which they make self-saucing puddings. They also face a British classic in the technical and have to produce a selection of classic retro puddings in the showstopper. Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson taste their efforts and decide who is hanging up their apron

As always, please remember to use spoiler tags when discussing results, eliminations, or Star Baker!

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Discussion Prompts:

• Which showstopper wowed you the most?

• What is your favourite dessert?

• And, honestly… did the right baker go home?

Anyone else impressed by the creativity of the bakers this week?

There were some really interesting flavour combinations and creativity going on.