Noel Fielding says Alison Hammond 'learned the hard way' after breaking Bake Off rule

Great British Bake Off host, Noel Fielding, has revealed that his fellow presenter, Alison Hammond, learned the hard way not to break one key show rule.

The Channel 4 baking contest, known for its colourful bunting, tempting bakes and whimsical set, is a feast for the eyes. However, despite the kitchen seeming to be filled with sponge fingers, marshmallows and party rings ready for snacking, most of it is strictly off-limits.

Journalist Boudicca Fox Leonard ventured into the famous white tent in Welford Park, Berkshire, to discover the secrets behind the iconic competition. Fielding highlighted one crucial rule that must never be broken.

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Cast and crew are warned: "Don't eat the displays," even though the set looks "as delectable as a cricket cream tea."

Leonard says Fielding repeated this warning while she was "eyeing up the set dressing of sponge fingers, party rings and jars of marshmallows," reports the Manchester Evening News.

"They are not to be touched," cautioned Fielding, who has been hosting the show since 2017. "Alison found that out the hard way," he hinted, suggesting his co-star couldn't resist trying the props.

Much of the food, he clarified, isn't even edible. Some items are made from polystyrene, while others have been left sitting around for weeks, months or even years.

When quizzed about the authenticity of the tempting hot cross buns displayed on a nearby table, he confessed: "They are real. But feel them – they're like rock. You'd need gnashers like a nutcracker to eat them."

Even the edible props aren't safe once the day's filming concludes. "We have to put all the real stuff away at night because the squirrels come and eat it otherwise," one member of the home economics team revealed.

Alison Hammond, who hopped on board in 2023 after Matt Lucas's exit, has quickly charmed viewers alongside Fielding. Known for her infectious laughter and lively personality, the This Morning host brought a fresh energy to the Bake Off tent during her debut series.

Her authentic rapport with contestants, coupled with her readiness to laugh at herself, has proven a perfect complement to Fielding's eccentric humour.

While new to the Bake Off clan, Hammond is no novice when it comes to food television. She's graced Celebrity MasterChef and hosted cooking segments on daytime programmes.

However, she admitted feeling nervous about joining such a beloved show. "It's a massive privilege to be part of an iconic show," she expressed at the time.

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