In a heartwarming reunion, British comedy duo Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins have embraced nostalgia as they recall their beloved time co-hosting The Great British Bake Off from 2010 to 2016. Their lively discussions now take center stage in their new podcast, Mel & Sue Should Know By Now, which launched on March 21, 2025.
Diving into their comical past, the pair recently revisited a wild wrap party incident from 2011, one that still elicits laughter and disbelief. "It was definitely just chocolate, mate! I sniffed my sheets in the morning!" Giedroyc exclaimed, recounting the mishap that followed a night filled with great merriment and drinks. In response, Perkins noted with a grin, "When you’re that drunk, things will slacken. And there was some fairly intense intoxication that night." The vivid description provided by the two paints a picture of camaraderie and banter they have built over nearly four decades.
The amusing anecdote reflects the dynamic personalities of the two women: Giedroyc, often seen as straight-laced and grounded, contrasts sharply with Perkins, whose impulsive spirit and humor shine through their storytelling. As they continue their podcasting endeavors, the warmth and laughter encapsulated in their long-term friendship become even more apparent.
Aside from their shared laughter about past events, the duo also reminisced about their roles in reshaping the reality TV landscape. Perkins shared insight into how they aimed to create a positive environment for contestants, saying, "I think, as we get more distance from it, we can see it had become a circus... We wanted to extend a hand of calm and friendship." This sentiment highlights their commitment to kindness and support, ensuring that participants felt at ease during what could be an extremely stressful competition.
Their podcast has a conversational and humorous flair, featuring explorative questions that often sway into unexpected territories. Both ladies’ infectious curiosity touches on diverse topics—ranging from culinary questions to personal discoveries. The honesty and joy they exude through their exchanges make for engaging listening, often leading to profound revelations tempered with levity.
Reflecting on the socio-cultural changes in comedic representation, the duo admires the evolving landscape for female comedians today. "I am full of respect for the younger generation of female comics," Giedroyc expressed, nodding to the fearless openness and discussions of intimacy depicted through their performances. Perkins added, "There’s this extraordinary thing that happens about five, six episodes in... It’s just extraordinary to watch." This pivot into embracing actionable dialogues possibly signifies a shift in not just comedic practices, but broader societal discussions surrounding femininity and humor.
As both women embark on invoking more memories through their podcast, it becomes evident that their bond extends far beyond television screens and into realms of genuine friendship formed over years of mutual support and shared ambitions. With a blend of honesty and humor, they draw on every facet of their lives to create relatable and entertaining content.
Finally, as part of their discussion, Giedroyc and Perkins emphasize the importance of savoring every moment. The duo often reflects on their evolving lives, noting: "Every day I have on this ruddy, godforsaken planet is precious." Such sentiment captures the essence of their friendship and marks an admirable milestone in their enduring partnership.
Mel & Sue: Should Know By Now is now available on Audible, capturing the obstinate essence of two women whose humor is as spontaneous and delightful as the gastronomic creations that captured hearts across the UK. As they continue to navigate life and its challenges, fans can expect an evergreen source of laughter and inspiration from this dynamic duo.
