Prue Leith has reportedly clashed with Paul Hollywood backstage on ‘The Great British Bake Off’.
The 77-year-old presenter replaced long-time host Mary Berry after the popular baking show moved to Channel 4 and tensions are already mounting between herself and Paul, 51.
A show insider said: "The feeling backstage has totally changed with the new line-up. Prue has told staff she can’t stand Paul.
"Mary put up with him but Prue is much feistier."
It’s been reported, too, that Sandi Toksvig has been spending all day in her trailer knitting, while Noel Fielding has refused to taste the contestants’ cakes because he’s concerned about his weight.
And in contrast to the old presenting team, the new line-up spend little time with each other when the cameras are not rolling.
The source told The Sun newspaper: "Paul, Prue, Sandi and Noel sit in their personal spaces backstage and don’t talk to each other. Sandi in particular spends most of the time knitting alone and refusing to mix with the others."
Sandi’s attitude is markedly different to that of Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, who co-hosted the show on the BBC.
The insider explained: "Noel has struggled to adjust to the totally different environment and has been saying he doesn’t want to taste too many of the cakes because he’s worried about getting fat.
"And, worst of all, Sandi does not seem to have any interest in the contestants off screen like Mel and Sue used to."
People working on the show are reportedly concerned that the lack of team spirit will damage viewing figures.
The source added: "Morale is low among a lot of staff members and crew. There’s a lot of new people with their own ideas on how things should be done.
"Channel 4 will probably say it’s all teething problems, but it doesn’t bode well."
By contrast, the broadcaster has insisted things are progressing smoothly, saying: "’The Great British Bake Off’ team get on brilliantly and together have all the ingredients for a show-stopping series."
Prue Leith ‘clashes with Paul Hollywood on The Great British Bake Off’
