Icing on the cake

Alison Hammond joins Noel Fielding as the new co-host of Bake Off

- CAREN CLARK. JOHNATHON HUGHES, STEVEN MURPHY

NEW COOKERY
The Great British Bake Off
Tuesday, 8pm, C4

The bunting is up and the piping bags are primed as the big white tent welcomes a fresh crop of 12 nervous bakers and a brand-new presenter for the latest series of C4's The Great British Bake Off.

In the new run, This Morning's Alison Hammond is replacing Matt Lucas to host the show with Noel Fielding, as the contestants battle to win over judges Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith. First up is Cake Week, and it includes layer cakes, a chocolatey treat and an animal-themed sponge.

Here, Hammond, 48, and Fielding, 50, tell us more...

How did you feel on your first day, Alison?

Hammond I was star-struck. I looked at Paul, Prue and Noel and thought, I'm in Bake Off! What am I doing here?!' It's nerve-racking because that tent is a big deal. My nerves came out as excitement, so I jumped on Paul for a hug and we toppled over!
Fielding That's when we knew you'd arrived. It's one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

What is your rapport like?