Nadia Sawalha's Bra-Clad Nigella Lawson Parody Goes Viral Amid Bake Off Host Rumours
Television personality Nadia Sawalha has sparked a social media frenzy with a cheeky impersonation of celebrated cook Nigella Lawson, stripping down to her lingerie for a humorous crisp sandwich tutorial. The comedic video, shared on Instagram, arrives amidst swirling industry reports that Lawson is poised to become the new judge on The Great British Bake Off.
Loose Woman's Sultry Tribute to a Culinary Icon
In the now-viral clip, Sawalha, a panellist on ITV's Loose Women, fully embraced Lawson's famously sensual presentation style. Dressed in a lacy bra and a sheer corset, with her hair artfully tousled, she lip-synced to a voiceover mimicking Lawson's distinctive husky tones.
'I adore bread, I adore crisps and together they are just rapturous!' she mouthed, launching into the playful tutorial. The actress then lavishly buttered slices of bread, continuing in character: 'I believe in maximising pleasure, not curtailing it! A crisp sandwich provides that perfect carb on carb action!'
The performance reached its peak as Sawalha fixed the camera with a seductive stare, declaring her preference for salt and vinegar crisps while hinting viewers could explore other flavours for their own 'heavenly' experience.
Timing Coincides with Major Bake Off Shake-Up
The parody gained significant traction as news broke regarding a potential major change for the iconic Channel 4 baking competition. It was reported on Thursday that Nigella Lawson, the 66-year-old food writer and television cook, is in advanced contract talks to replace Prue Leith as a judge.
Leith confirmed her departure from the show after nine years and judging over 400 challenges, stating it felt like the 'right time to step back'. Paul Hollywood, along with hosts Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, are confirmed to remain with the programme.
A television insider suggested producers are excited about Lawson's potential to bring her signature 'cheeky banter' and fun innuendos to the Bake Off tent, qualities synonymous with her long career in cookery broadcasting.
Lawson's Playful Response and Sawalha's History of Impersonations
Responding to the buzz, Nigella Lawson addressed the rumours directly in the comments of Sawalha's post. 'The @loosewomen were talking about this as if it’s been confirmed!!! It's just a rumour for now my darlings .. you will be the first to know … keep your eyes peeled …..' she wrote, neither confirming nor denying the reports.
This is not the first time Nadia Sawalha has impersonated the culinary star. She first shared a version of the crisp sandwich sketch back in 2022 and reprised it following the latest Bake Off news. In 2023, she filmed another jokey tutorial, this time for mashed potato, while dressed in a lace slip and red bra, famously poking fun at Lawson's distinctive pronunciation of 'microwave'.
Sawalha, a former EastEnders star, has a history of celebrity impersonations, having previously taken on the likes of Kate Beckinsale and Kim Kardashian for comedic effect.
Nigella Lawson's Illustrious Career
Should the appointment be confirmed, Lawson would bring a wealth of experience to the Bake Off judging table. With a career spanning decades, she is globally recognised for her evocative and descriptive language around food. Her debut cookbook, How To Eat (1998), was a bestseller, and she later won Author of the Year at the British Book Awards for How To Be A Domestic Goddess (2000).
In recent years, she has served as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia and a main judge on Australia's My Kitchen Rules, further solidifying her international appeal and judging credentials.
As the entertainment world waits for official confirmation from Channel 4, Nadia Sawalha's light-hearted parody has successfully captured the public's imagination, blending humour with the palpable excitement surrounding one of British television's most anticipated potential casting decisions.
