Nigella Lawson helps Bake Off beat Strictly for first time

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 12:02 · Archive

The Great British Bake Off has overtaken Strictly Come Dancing in TV viewing figures for the first time ever, according to figures from the Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Nigella Lawson's debut as a judge drew 7.1 million viewers, whilst Strictly's first live show of the season attracted 6.2 million viewers, down nearly 1.5 million from its series premiere the previous year.

Lawson, 66, replaced Dame Prue Leith as a judge alongside Paul Hollywood. Channel 4 bosses were reportedly so pleased with her impact that she has been signed up for a second series in a deal estimated to be worth £500,000. A TV insider told The Sun that the cast and crew recognised during filming that Lawson was 'something special on set', and that ratings confirmed this impression.

Lawson studied Modern Languages at Lady Margaret Hall at Oxford University, graduating in 1979, and later edited the student magazine Isis. She replaced Dame Prue following her decision to step down after nine series and more than 400 challenges.

How it is being reported

• Nigella Lawson helps Bake Off beat Strictly Come Dancing in TV firstNigella Lawson has helped Channel 4's Great British Bake Off beat the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in TV viewing figures for the first time.Oxford Mail · 27 Oct, 11:30
• Nigella Lawson helps Bake Off beat Strictly Come Dancing in TV firstNigella Lawson has helped Channel 4's Great British Bake Off beat the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in TV viewing figures for the first time.Oxfordshire Guardian · 27 Oct, 11:30

In this story: Nigella Lawson · Great British Bake Off · Strictly Come Dancing · Channel 4 · Dame Prue Leith · Paul Hollywood · BBC

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