24 September 2023 , 19:00
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Alison Hammond is reduced to fits of laughter in the first episode of The Great British Bake Off – when the contestants make animal-themed cakes and one chooses a BEAVER.
The decision leads to an innuendo-laden challenge, the show’s new co-presenter revealed ahead of Tuesday's 14th series opener. Hammond, 48, said her helpless mirth in the tent was sparked by judge Prue Leith. “It was hilarious,” she explained.
“Prue was saying ‘Tell me about your beaver’. I’ve never crumbled to the floor as quickly as when I heard Prue say that. Prue absolutely killed me. It was the delivery of the line – it was the best I’ve ever seen.” Leith, 83, says the pair have struck up a firm friendship since Hammond joined the show to replace Matt Lucas.
A contestant decided to make a beaver-themed cake (Getty Images)“She loves everybody – the bakers, the camera operators,” Leith said. “They could not have done better than with Alison because she brings a sort of hilarity, which we didn’t have before.” But Leith added that she and fellow judge Paul Hollywood have no qualms about telling her to pipe down when needed.
“Alison bounced into the tent and took it over,” she confessed. “We sometimes say ‘Shut up, Alison, this is our bit.’ This year’s contestants include the first deaf baker, Tasha, who is accompanied by a sign language interpreter.
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The Great British Bake Off, Channel 4, Tuesday, 8pm