Nigella Lawson breaks silence on Paul Hollywood 'feud' rumours

Share Nigella Lawson has broken her silence on rumours of a "feud" with fellow Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood, batting away the speculation. The television cook, who studied at Oxford University, addressed reports about her relationship with Mr Hollywood ahead of the new series of Channel 4's hit baking competition. Ms Lawson joined the programme after the departure of Dame Prue Leith and has already found herself at the centre of speculation about how she and Mr Hollywood get on behind the scenes. The Independent described reports of a "feud" between the pair, with some coverage suggesting there could be friction because of their contrasting judging styles and strong personalities. READ MORE: Music icon and Jeremy Clarkson release new beer together According to the Daily Mail, Mr Hollywood has been using a Robinson Raven helicopter worth around £500,000 to cover the roughly 120‑mile journey from his home in Kent to Welford Park in Berkshire, where Channel 4 films the show. An unnamed source quoted by the Daily Mail alleges Ms Lawson found the dramatic arrivals 'all rather cringe', describing the helicopter as a status symbol and branding Hollywood's approach 'gauche'. However, she has now appeared to dismiss any suggestion of bad blood as she told The Times: "What will people say of us on the programme? "I feel that half will go, 'Oh, there's clearly something going on with them,' and the other half will say, 'Oh, clearly they don't like each other at all.' And I feel like that's fine." READ MORE: Michelin-starred TV chef slams 'toxic kitchen culture'after leaving Cotswolds Mr Hollywood has also sought to play down suggestions of any tension between the pair. Ahead of the new series, he praised Ms Lawson's arrival on the programme and said she had settled into the Bake Off tent quickly. At the launch of the new series in London on Monday, September 7, Mr Hollywood praised Ms Lawson, telling journalists that she had 'fitted in beautifully'. Ms Lawson added: 'It's such a lovely atmosphere, and the four of us get on very well,' in reference to Mr Hollywood and presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding. READ MORE: Top Gear star Richard Hammond 'scared' over his serious brain injury Mr Hollywood, who described Ms Lawson as a 'queen', revealed that the pair met before filming began in order to 'warm up'. He said this meant that 'by the time the main series started, it just felt quite natural'. The TV star added: 'It does feel like we'd all been working together for years.' Ms Lawson studied medieval and modern languages at Oxford University, graduating from Lady Margaret Hall before moving into publishing and journalism and eventually becoming one of Britain's best‑known food writers and TV cooks. The Great British Bake Off starts on Tuesday, September 22, and will premiere at 8pm on Channel 4.Share Get involved with the news