celeb interview
The Bake Off host on the star-studded charity spin-off
Alison Hammond’s back in the tent, dishing out her famous Hammond hugs, wise words and a comforting ear in this year’s celebrity edition of The Great British Bake Off. The star, 49, reunites with her This Morning co-presenter Dermot O’Leary, as well as 19 other big names including Mel B, Oti Mabuse and Danny Dyer, who are all hoping to be named Star Baker for the show, in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.
Ahead of her return hosting alongside Noel Fielding, with Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood as judges, Alison tells us about the celebs, her pride at being part of it and who she’d really like to see in the tent…
Who were you most excited to have in the tent?
I was really excited when Oti Mabuse came into the tent. Leigh Francis was incredible. All our celebrity bakers were just so much fun. They’re so up for it, aren’t they?
Former Strictly pro dancer Oti is from a very competitive world. How focused was she?
Totally focused. She wanted to do well. Her sister Motsi did really well in the tent in 2022, so there was a lot of pressure on Oti to show she had what it took. We had a little bit of dancing from her as well.
Dermot’s one of the bakers, so you had two telly husbands in the tent at the same time…
Yeah, and there was a little bit of jealousy [laughs]. In the end, the jealousy came from me because Noel and Dermot got on so well. I was the one being nudged out more than anything. They were comparing notes.
How did Dermot get on?
He had such a good time. He was so happy. He didn’t realise how much fun it was. It was me who asked him to do it, but he didn’t take much persuasion. I knew Dermot would take it seriously because he got [baker] Juliet Sear to come to his house and give him some tips. . He’s not going to do Bake Off and not take it seriously.
Has Dermot cooked for you?
He has. I went to his house and he did a roast dinner for me with a salad. It was delicious. He’s never brought in homemade cakes to This Morning. He’ll buy cakes, but I’ll bake. I will bring in a banana bread or brownies or something. He’ll just buy it…
Were any celebrities big fans of the show who were thrilled to be in the tent?
Greg James was really overwhelmed. It was a big moment for him. He just kept saying, “I can’t believe I’m in the Bake Off tent”. He was so excited. Everybody was kind of overwhelmed. Once they’re in the tent, it becomes real. That’s when they start to go, “Oh, my God. I want to do
