Prue Leith called Mary Berry for advice on working with Paul Hollywood.
The 77-year-old chef has taken over from the baking legend as a judge on ‘The Great British Bake Off’ and she revealed she consulted her on what it would be like alongside the only star to remain with the show when it moved from the BBC to Channel 4.
She told Heat magazine: "I did ring Mary up and my first question was, ‘Is he workable with?’ She said, ‘Yes actually. He knows his stuff.’ "
Despite the changes to the show – including Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins replaced as hosts by Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig – Paul insists fans won’t be disappointed.
He said: "I’ve seen the first programme and you will not know the difference. The first thing I said was, ”Bake Off’ is back’…
"The bakers this year are the best we’ve ever had by a mile. This year’s final standard was exceptional and for us, it was the hardest judging I have ever been involved in."
One things viewers will be glad to hear is the new presenters have embraced the cake-based puns and there’s still lots of innuendo in the exchanges between them and the judges.
Noel said: "I’m not really a pun man but you just find yourself coming out with them.
"I had to hold Sandi up when Paul said to Prue, ‘It’s a pretty nice crack’. I thought she was going to fall over."
Noel is known for his flamboyant sense of style and he wants to reflect the show in his outfits.
He said: "I’m trying to throw in a few food-related shirts with nice colours without crossing the line into Timmy Mallet territory."
Prue Leith asked Mary Berry for advice
