Alison Hammond, the popular TV presenter known for her vibrant personality, recently expressed her displeasure with fellow judge Paul Hollywood during the filming of the highly anticipated Great New Year's Bake Off special. This festive episode, dedicated to celebrating Scottish heritage, will air on January 3 and promises to bring together beloved contestants from previous series as they embrace the traditions of Hogmanay.
Among those returning to the iconic Bake Off tent are Nicky, Peter, Lea, Kevin, James, and Norman, who will once again showcase their baking skills. The entire event is adorned with Scottish flair, as the judges and presenters don themed attire and even invited a traditional ceilidh band to set the mood. Despite the joyful atmosphere, Alison couldn't hold back her disappointment over Paul Hollywood's sartorial choices.
According to reports by Birmingham Live, Alison shared her thoughts, saying, "Oh, it was brilliant, it was so much fun. I'll get up on my feet and start dancing. I'm straight in there. Paul wore a kilt... and so did Prue. Well, she wore a tartan skirt... And Paul did wear his pants underneath. We were really upset!" While she was excited about the festive energy of the event, her lighthearted comments reveal how Paul’s choice of clothing stirred some playful yet genuine irritation.
The Great New Year's Bake Off doesn't just serve up humor; it also challenges its contestants with significant baking tasks. The contestants start their competition with the Signature bake, where they tackle classic Scottish recipes. This is followed by the Technical task, which has them creating the ever-popular shortbread—one of Scotland's most famous treats. To top it all off, the bakers are tasked with the Showstopper, inspired by the traditional Scottish dessert cranachan, which beautifully combines oats, whisky, honey, raspberries, and cream. This blend of excitement and skill sets the stage for another delectable season.
For Alison, this edition of Bake Off holds extra significance as she reunites with contestants, rekindling bonds from past competitions. Reflecting on one of her previous contestants, she remarked, "Nicky from the last series was back, and it was lovely to see her again. They were my first Bake Off babies." Her joy at these reunions speaks volumes about her investment not just as a presenter, but as part of the Bake Off family.
Off-screen, Alison has also been making headlines for her inspiring weight-loss transformation. The presenter, who weighed 28 stone at her heaviest, embraced her health challenges after receiving troubling news concerning her weight and family history of diabetes. "Just before she died, mum said to me, 'If you can, sort out your weight, Alison,' and I think this really set it in my head," she explained during her conversation with Good Housekeeping magazine. Alison was determined to enact meaningful change after learning she was pre-diabetic and has credited her mother's concern as driving her efforts.
Embracing her current healthy lifestyle, she shared insights about how she cut out sweets and fatty foods, highlighting the importance of personal accountability: "I thought: 'I have to be an adult about this.' The sweets had to stop – and the fatty foods. Twice a week, I see my personal trainer, and I have weights at home. I walk, stretch, and sometimes do some yoga." Her proactive approach has led to impressive success—revealing she has shed 11 stone thanks to her hard work and dedication.
With the festive Bake Off special poised to entertain audiences and showcase the talents of both returning contestants and the ever-charismatic Alison Hammond, viewers are left eager to experience the unique blend of joy, creativity, and Scottish culture. It’s not just about baking; it’s also about celebrating life, friendships, and the lighthearted moments, even when there's the occasional fashion faux pas. The anticipation for the New Year's episode remains high as fans await to see both the baking crafts and Alison's wit shine through the screen.