Nigella to avoid Bake Off tent innuendo culture from the moment she opens the flaps

Straight-laced Nigella Lawson is set to replace outgoing host Prue Leith as Paul Hollywood’s sidekick on Channel 4’s long-running show The Great British Bake Off, and has insisted that she’s determined to clean up the show’s reputation, which has become famous for its double-entendres and smutty one-liners.

“I’ll bring something a little more classy to the tent,” she enthused, “if they want to me to come from a new direction, I’ll give them one.”

The new host has been desperate to share her scoop, but has had to sit tight on it for weeks until it was officially announced.

“I had to sit on my magic little secret for so long, I was worried about an unintentional leakage,” she told us today, “but I’m now just pleased it’s out in the open for all to see.”

Despite her experience as a celebrity chef, Nigella admitted to being a little apprehensive about joining such an established televisual institution.

“The first time I was invited to meet Paul, I was nervous about entering his office, but once I gave that old, rusty knob a turn and saw the smile on his face, I relaxed almost immediately.

“He was extremely welcoming, and said that he is looking forward to getting straight down to business.

“Viewers may worry that I’m more of a chef than a baker, but although I love do love a toad in the hole, my true fans will know that I’m as comfortable with a good stuffing as I am with with a well-creamed horn, so I’m happy to put fish pie to one side for a month or two and focus on spotted dick.

“And if asked, I will be only too happy to offer our bakers some advice on the best way to beat it until it’s stiff, and how sometimes the lightest touch can make something rise.”

Hollywood himself is said to be delighted with the appointment of the new host, but admitted things will be different without Prue, who he has worked alongside for eight years.

“Obviously the show will have a different look, I’m not sure Nigella will be as much of a fan of the pearl necklace as Prue was, but she’ll bring her own style, is very experienced, and I’m looking forward to maybe taking a step back on occasion, so I can see her front.”

However, the last word was left to Nigella who says she’ll know when she’s risen to Paul’s standard.

“When the day comes that Paul looks into my eyes, smiles and offers me his sticky right hand, I’ll know he’s happy.”